Football: Beckham's son Romeo joins Brentford reserves on loan

LONDON - Romeo Beckham, the 20-year-old son of former England captain David Beckham, has joined Premier League side Brentford’s reserve team on loan from Inter Miami II for the rest of the season.

The midfielder, who had a spell with Arsenal’s academy as a child, has spent the past couple of months training with his new team to maintain fitness during the off season in America.

“I’m very proud and very happy to be here,” said the second son of David.

“It was a fun season (in the US) and there were a lot of ups and downs but I’m excited to come here and see what I can do.

“I came here at the start to keep fit during the off season. The chance then came to come on loan here and I’ve never been so excited.”

Beckham joined Fort Lauderdale in 2021 before the reserve side were renamed Inter Miami II in 2022. He briefly featured in a friendly against Barcelona in July for the first team of Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, who are co-owned by his father.

Neil MacFarlane, manager of Brentford’s B team, said: “We’ve been absolutely delighted with Romeo since he arrived with us.

“He came to us from Inter Miami with the aim of working with us during their close season.

“Romeo has applied himself unbelievably well, he’s really bought into the culture and the group which he has become a big part of.

“I love his standards and the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch.

“He’s been able to get fitter and fitter during his time with us, and it leaves him in a good place to now step forward having joined us on loan.”

MacFarlane added that he is excited about Beckham’s qualities as he is a versatile player.

“He is very technical, and he is somebody who can shift the ball quickly and cross. He is also a really good finisher and he has the ability to play a number of positions for us, which is also pleasing,” he said.

Beckham led the third-tier MLS Next Pro in assists last season with 10, making 20 appearances and scoring two goals.
AFP, REUTERS