Liverpool's impending signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth could trigger a deal for Hollywood-owned Wrexham to take one of the Reds' young stars on loan this summer
Liverpool's Owen Beck
Liverpool's Owen Beck (right) is reportedly a loan target for Wrexham
(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham could be set to benefit as Liverpool's £40million deal for Milos Kerkez nears completion. The Bournemouth left-back is expected to undergo a medical early this week ahead of his move to Merseyside being completed.
The Hungarian, who moved to Bournemouth in July 2023 from AZ Alkmaar, has been flourishing under the management of Andoni Iraola and is set to sign a five-year contract at Anfield. The Reds are reported to see the 21-year-old as a potential replacement for Andy Robertson, who has attracted attention from La Liga side Atletico Madrid.
Kerkez's arrival could have a knock-on effect by freeing up Liverpool youngster Owen Beck to join Wrexham on loan. The Welsh club, owned by Deadpool star Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney, clinched promotion to the Championship in April and are said to be eager to secure the Reds left-back to improve their squad.
Beck has made three appearances for Liverpool to date, and was handed his Premier League debut as a substitute away at Bournemouth in January 2024. The 22-year-old defender was born in Wrexham and shone during his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in the second tier this season.
Beck, who is the great nephew of former Liverpool and Wrexham striker Ian Rush, became Rovers' first-choice left-back until an unfortunate injury halted his progress. The Wales under-21 international made 26 appearances for Blackburn in their pursuit of a play-off spot, but a hamstring problem restricted him to just one match after early February.
Wrexham achieved their third consecutive promotion in April and now have their sights set on Beck, according to Liverpool.com. Beck also previously impressed during a stint with Dundee during the 2023-24 season, with his exceptional performances earning him a place in the PFA Scottish Premiership Team of the Year and leading to interest from Celtic.
Milos Kerkez looks set to complete a move to Liverpool
Milos Kerkez looks set to complete a move to Liverpool, which could have a knock-on effect for Wrexham's pursuit of Owen Beck
The last two campaigns represent a marked improvement compared to Beck's earlier loan stints at Portuguese outfit Famalicao and Bolton Wanderers, with no appearances for the former and only nine outings for the latter. Reflecting on Beck's path, ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said in January 2024: "We were always pretty positive about Owen, but then he had two really difficult loan spells [at Famalicao and Bolton].
"It was a surprise that it didn't work out because of what we thought about Owen, but that's how it is with young boys. When you send them away from home, plenty of things can happen.
"Things always have to fit well – it must be the right manager, must be the right team, if they have another left-back there who is experienced. There are so many things which can make a loan spell not really happen. But at Dundee everything was fine and he made big steps."
Owen Beck and Jurgen Klopp
Owen Beck, who is being linked with a loan move to Wrexham, made his Premier League debut under Jurgen Klopp
Beck's links to Wrexham come after he previously discussed his plans to return to fitness in time for pre-season and to try and catch Arne Slot's attention for a potential first-team push at Liverpool.
Speaking to RoversTV upon his departure from Blackburn in April, Beck said: "I'll go back to Liverpool now and work with their physios. I have to aim to be back for pre-season and build the muscle up."
Reflecting on his latest loan outing, he added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. The players, staff, fans, I've felt welcome as one of their own. I can't thank people enough for that. It's been a big learning curve, it's a tough division. You're playing against top wingers every game and they all pose a different threat.
“I think it has made me a better player and the club has made me a better person. Loans are to be tested and challenged and I've felt that. I look back and I think I've come a long way."