Liverpool youngster James Balagizi has officially returned to Merseyside after his loan spell away from Anfield was brought to an early end.
The 22-year-old midfielder joined Forest Green Rovers on a season-long loan last August, but his time with the National League side was disrupted by injury. Balagizi featured just 10 times for Robbie Savage’s team before a hamstring problem stalled his momentum.
According to The Athletic, Balagizi had recently been back at Liverpool undergoing rehabilitation, with his final appearance for Forest Green coming in their FA Cup defeat to Luton on Halloween.
Forest Green confirm early loan termination
On Tuesday, Forest Green confirmed through their official website and social media that Balagizi has returned to Liverpool following the cancellation of his loan deal.
In a statement on X, the club said:
“We can confirm James Balagizi has returned to Liverpool. The 22-year-old made 10 appearances for Rovers, scoring a dramatic last-minute equaliser against Scunthorpe United earlier this season. We thank James for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.”
An uncertain next step
Balagizi had previously impressed during his time in Liverpool’s academy and on loan at Crawley Town in 2022, where then-manager Kevin Betsy tipped him for a “fantastic career”.
However, this marks the third time one of his season-long loans has been cut short in January, and at 22, the midfielder is at a stage where consistency is crucial. His Liverpool contract, signed in the summer of 2023, now has just six months remaining, making a free transfer in the summer a strong possibility. He never made a senior competitive appearance for the Reds, though he was named on the bench in domestic cup matches during the 2021/22 season.
While another short-term loan before the end of the campaign remains an option, Balagizi currently faces an uncertain future. Much will depend on his recovery from injury and whether a strong run elsewhere can revive his career prospects.
Despite his Liverpool pathway now looking unlikely, there is still hope that Balagizi can bounce back and build a successful career at another club once fully fit.
