John Eustace was a big admirer of Liverpool’s Owen Beck during a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers. The former Rovers boss is actively looking at reuniting with the 22-year-old this summer with his new side Derby County.
Derby acquired Eustace in a surprise Championship switch earlier this season. Beck is reportedly at the summit of the former Ewood Park head coach’s list this summer with the left-back appearing 24 times, contributing one goal while bolstering the defensive line.
Liverpool Favouritism?
The Liverpool prospect will likely fall even further down the selection of full-backs next season, with the approaching deal with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez drawing ever closer. Andrew Robertson has been linked with a move away to Atletico Madrid, but the Hungarian international will cement a starting spot in Arne Slot’s line-up due to his impressive Premier League endeavours.
Beck instead could turn to the Rams as a potential key player in an important campaign, as Eustace looks to recreate past successes with Birmingham City – despite his bizarre dismissal in favour of Wayne Rooney’s appointment – and Blackburn earlier last season.
Beck’s Prior Spells
The 22-year-old has had four different loans varying from heavy involvement to none at all. Dundee FC took the Welshman on two separate loan spells either side of the January window in the 2023/24 season. Beck contributed 28 appearances and scored twice for the Scottish outfit. A first campaign away from Liverpool in 2022, with Portuguese side Familicao, was very unsuccessful as the defender failed to make a single appearance while abroad.
Bolton Wanderers handed Beck nine games the following season, with his first professional minutes leading to the Dundee move. An important campaign with Blackburn has now inevitably led to a Championship return option with Derby and a reunion with Eustace.
Derby have already announced departures to Sonny Bradley and Erik Pieters in the defensive area, with the former joining Lincoln City on a free transfer. Nat Phillips is set to return to Liverpool too, following the conclusion of his loan spell and the Midlands side are yet to make a replacement signing this window.
Writer’s View
Beck is a tenacious defender with an aggressive attitude, which can be further moulded in the correct way. A notable incident with Milutin Osmajic last season highlighted the off-the-ball immaturity of both parties. The 22-year-old is physically strong and creates plenty of opportunities down the left-hand side of play.
As a near winger, the full-back has exceptional stamina as a young prospect and could be an important asset for Eustace once again. A further improvement to County’s backline is needed this summer and an already connected relationship between Beck and the former Rovers boss could create a greater chemistry in Derby’s squad from just one transfer.
