Liverpool left-back James Norris is close to a permanent transfer away, while loanee Owen Beck is to return early.
Liverpool’s first January transfer could involve Norris, who has been training often with the first team following a successful loan in Ireland.
The Athletic‘s James Pearce reports that the 22-year-old “is in discussions about a permanent move” to Shelbourne, where he spent the majority of 2025 on loan.
Left-back transfers
• Permanent exit: James Norris is in talks for a permanent move to Shelbourne following a successful loan spell in Ireland
• Loan cut short: Owen Beck has returned to Liverpool from Derby without making a single appearance for the Rams
• Injury blow: Beck will stay at Anfield for the season to recover from hamstring surgery in November
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 9, 2022: Liverpool's Tyler Morton is replaced by substitute James Norris during the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Shrewsbury Town FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Liverpudlian left-back returned to Merseyside in early November after the conclusion of Shelbourne’s domestic campaign, last season winning the club’s young player of the year award.
While he impressed during his time across the sea, his loan ended in a straight red card as he was dismissed after just 16 minutes in Shelbourne’s UEFA Conference League defeat at Kosovan side FC Drita.
Overall, Norris’ spell there should be considered a resounding success, having made 45 appearances for the club and totalled 2,891 minutes on the pitch.
His switch to Ireland came after spending the first half of last season back at Liverpool, filling the first-team bench on four occasions but failing to make it onto the pitch in any of those games.
Norris’ only other experience of senior football came with 20 games on loan at Tranmere in 2023/24, while he was part of academy sides who represented the first team in cup clashes with Aston Villa in 2019 and Shrewsbury in 2022.
A full-back who has also been known to step into midfield, Norris has long been known as a great prospect at the academy.
Owen Beck to return from loan
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 10, 2024: Liverpool's substitute Owen Beck before the Football League Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While Norris may be leaving, Liverpool are set to have a left-back through the door in his absence, as Beck returns from his loan spell at Derby having not played a single game.
The Athletic report that he will now “stay at Liverpool for the rest of the season” as he recovers from the hamstring surgery he underwent in November.
He was injured playing in an under-21s match against Blackburn, the club where he impressed on loan last season, playing 25 games before a different hamstring injury ended his campaign early.
His performances still warranted the 23-year-old a new Liverpool contract over the summer.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 21, 2024: Liverpool's Owen Beck during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He now faces a long spell on the sidelines, with Derby boss John Eustace telling reporters: “Unfortunately, Owen has had to have surgery on his hamstring, so he’s going to be out for the next three or four months.
“I feel really sorry for Becky, and obviously, I had worked with him at Blackburn.
“Bringing him to the football club was a real success from the recruitment side, especially to bring a player of that quality here and to be able to showcase him.
“Over the course of the season I think everyone was excited about that, but unfortunately he’s had a really difficult time.
“We all feel sorry for the boy, but it’s all part of his learning and his development. He’ll come back stronger, but it’s not going to be with us.”