Celtic’s January transfer window strategy faced a setback with target Owen Beck coming off the bench for Liverpool in their 4-0 victory over Bournemouth.
Keith Jackson of the Daily Record described a scene where Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, shortly after discussing his team’s Scottish Cup win over Buckie Thistle with the media, was informed of Beck’s Liverpool appearance – a development that effectively ended Celtic’s pursuit of the left-back.
Reports on Saturday morning suggested that Celtic were stepping up their chase of the young full-back and could even look to make a permanent move.
However, FIFA regulations prevent players from representing more than two clubs in a single season. With Beck having played for both Liverpool and Dundee, a move to Celtic during the current window became impossible after his appearance in the Premier League match.
Jackson detailed the moment Rodgers learned of Beck’s Liverpool appearance, noting the Celtic manager’s subdued reaction. [Record Sport]
“On Sunday, moments after he addressed the broadcast media following his side’s 5-0 Scottish Cup battering of little Buckie Thistle, it was left to a band of us from the written brigade to break some awkward news to Celtic’s manager in the corridor outside.
“Because, pretty much as he was taking his seat behind the microphones, Owen Beck was being subbed on by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for the remaining 27 minutes of a 4-0 second half thumping of Bournemouth.
“Rodgers didn’t say much. As a matter of fact, he brushed it off with an unconvincing smile and a shrug of the shoulders. But this impromptu ambush did appear at least to take him by surprise, as well it might.”
Celtic making a move for Beck is not completely off the cards. The club could sign him permanently, like they reportedly were weighing up, and loan him to Dundee to continue his impressive form from the first half of the season and continue to develop. He would then be eligible to play for Celtic in the new season.
