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Liverpool midfielder James Balagizi, who turns 22 in a few weeks, has completed a season-long loan move to the National League side Forest Green Rovers.
The England youth international has struggled with injuries in recent years, but is a talented player. He has been with Liverpool since the U11 age group and signed a first professional deal with the club in September 2020, and more recently, an extension in the 2023-24 campaign.
In between loan spells, Balagizi has been a regular in the U18 and U21 teams and starred in the young Reds side who reached the FA Youth Cup final in 2020-21. He also made the senior team bench a few times during the 2021-22 season under Jurgen Klopp.
Balagizi has previously been on loan at spell at Wigan, Kilmarnock, and Crawley.
On his signing, Forest Green director of football Mark Bowen said: "James is a top talent and we're delighted to be able to attract a player of his ability to the football club in amongst fighting off interest from clubs higher up the pyramid.
"We're incredibly thankful to Liverpool for allowing us to aid his development and add more quality to our squad here at FGR.
"He can play in a number of positions across the midfield and has an excellent passing range to help build from the back.
"He's also able to provide powerful forward runs to help the team as a whole."
Manager Robbie Savage added: "It's another great bit of recruitment for the club and shows yet more incredible backing from Dale (Vince) and Asif (Rehmanwala).
"We're delighted to add James to the squad."
Balagizi will wear the No. 26 jersey at Forest Green.
The team is currently top of the National League — the fifth division of English soccer — having won four games and drawn one at the start of the new campaign.
Liverpool.com says: Balagizi has talent, but he just needs to play regularly.
At a team that should be the favorite in most matches that it faces, that should suit his skillset.
English (US) ·