Liverpool has rejected an inquiry from Rangers regarding the signing of defender Owen Beck during the January transfer window, as reported by Simon Jones in his Window Watch column for the Daily Mail (4 January, page 65). According to the column, Rangers made an approach to acquire the services of Beck, who has impressed during his loan spell at Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership in the first half of the season, as mentioned by Dundee United manager Tony Docherty on 23 October.
Beck, who was on loan at Dundee United, has been recalled by Liverpool, and the rejection of Rangers’ inquiry suggests that Liverpool considers him crucial cover for the left-back position, providing backup for Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.
The news of Liverpool’s decision will likely disappoint Rangers, who had hoped to integrate Beck directly into Philippe Clement’s starting XI. Rangers have been explicit about their intentions to sign a new left-back in the January transfer window, and Beck, with his age profile and potential, could have been an appealing prospect for the Scottish club.
With Liverpool standing firm on their decision, Rangers’ management, led by Clement and Nils Koppen, will need to explore alternative options for left-back targets. One such alternative already identified is Fredrik Oppegard.
Despite the disappointment for Rangers in their pursuit of Beck, it signals a proactive approach from the club in addressing their left-back needs. The rejection may prompt Clement to consider other potential signings, but it is evident that securing a left-back remains a priority for Rangers in this transfer window.
The developments surrounding Beck and Rangers also raise questions about the future of current left-back options at Ibrox, specifically Borna Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz. It appears that Clement is already planning for potential changes in the left-back position, as he seeks reinforcements. Yilmaz, who joined in 2022, has been inconsistent and is yet to establish himself convincingly at the club. On the other hand, Barisic’s contract expires in the summer, creating uncertainty about his immediate future.
As Rangers explore left-back options, the rejection of the inquiry for Beck suggests that he is not available for acquisition. The club is conducting thorough due diligence in identifying potential targets, with the reported interest in Fredrik Oppegard showcasing their commitment to reinforcing their squad during the January transfer window.
While the situation with Beck may be disappointing for Rangers, it underscores the competitive nature of the transfer market and the challenges of securing specific targets. As the January window progresses, Rangers will need to act swiftly to address their left-back needs and ensure they secure a suitable addition to bolster their squad for the remainder of the season.
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