Liverpool’s bold moves force Owen Beck transfer drama as Rangers told their fate

Despite being on Rangers’ radar for a potential summer transfer, Owen Beck will not be heading to Govan. Instead, Liverpool have made two pivotal decisions about the left-back’s immediate and future prospects—securing him on a new long-term contract and arranging a loan spell away from Anfield.

Beck, once considered for a return to Scotland after his successful time at Dundee, will instead spend the upcoming season at Derby County. This move sees him reunite with John Eustace, under whom he previously played during a loan at Blackburn Rovers. The switch to Derby was confirmed after Liverpool manager Arne Slot demonstrated his confidence in the 22-year-old by extending his stay at the club.

The possibility of a Rangers move was always contingent on Ridvan Yilmaz’s future in Glasgow. While Yilmaz has faced setbacks due to recurring injuries and continued links with a move back to his home country, he remains with the Scottish Premiership side for now, which effectively closed the door on Beck’s potential return north.

Celtic, too, had once shown interest in Beck, but with his long-term and short-term future now committed elsewhere, the speculation has come to an end. Beck himself described the decision to join Derby County as straightforward, citing his positive working relationship with Eustace: “Obviously, I know the gaffer well from last year. I spoke to him with that experience of working with him before in mind. It moved pretty fast and was a no-brainer for me. We built a really good connection. I feel like he got the best out of me.”

He further added, “When he called up and we had that conversation again where he was looking to bring me in, it was a no-brainer, really! I enjoyed playing under him. As I said, I feel like he got the best out of me. I feel like he can get even more out of me this season, and I can push that step further.”

Looking ahead to the coming season, Beck outlined his objectives: “First and foremost, I want to play games. I want to play and stay injury-free. In the game, I’m going to set myself personal goals. Also, I’m sure the gaffer will have goals that he wants the team to achieve. Hopefully, I can hit my personal goals and help the team achieve theirs too.”

As the dust settles on summer transfer speculation, Beck’s path is now clear, with Liverpool’s confidence in his potential matched by his own ambition for growth under familiar management at Derby County.