Liverpool have brought midfielder James Balagizi back from his loan spell with Forest Green Rovers, with the 22-year-old recovering from a hamstring injury.
Balagizi is confirmed to have returned to Liverpool following a hamstring injury which kept him out of action for Forest Green Rovers for over two months.
Liverpool Loan Update: Balagizi, McConnell & Beck Return
James Balagizi: The 22-year-old has officially returned from Forest Green Rovers after treatment for a long-term hamstring injury.
Loan terminations: Midfielder James McConnell (Ajax) and left-back Owen Beck (Derby) have also seen their spells cut short this month.
The Elliott limbo: Despite a £35m permanent clause, Aston Villa have confirmed they do not intend to sign Harvey Elliott, leaving his immediate future unresolved.
The versatile midfielder made 10 appearances for the non-league club, scoring one goal, but he began treatment at the AXA Training Centre following his last outing against Championship side Luton in the FA Cup in October.
With his recovery ongoing the decision was made to move back to Liverpool on a full-time basis, with his next step to be assessed in due course.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 1, 2023: Liverpool's James Balagizi (L) and Isaac Maybaya pose for a photo before the Under-18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Under-18's at the Liverpool Academy. (Pic by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
Balagizi’s prospects in the second half of the campaign will depend on his fitness, as loan and permanent moves cannot be ruled out at this stage.
That comes with the former England U20 international into the final six months of his contract and unlikely to be offered a long-term extension.
If he is not able to recover in time to secure a switch in January, Balagizi could provide another option for U21s head coach Rob Page in the final months of 2025/26.
January 2026: Liverpool Loan Returns
Player Returned From Primary Reason
James Balagizi Forest Green Rovers Injury (Hamstring)
James McConnell Ajax Minutes / Injury
Owen Beck Derby County Injury (Hamstring Surgery)
Liverpool loan status 2026: Every recall and injury this January
PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 9, 2025: Liverpool's James McConnell during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Cup 4th Round match between Plymouth Argyle FC and Liverpool FC at Home Park. Plymouth won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool have already seen midfielder James McConnell and left-back Owen Beck return from unsuccessful loan spells this month.
McConnell fell out of favour at Ajax and could be considered as a first-team option for Arne Slot, though This Is Anfield understands the 21-year-old is currently injured while he is also attracting interest from other clubs.
Meanwhile Beck underwent hamstring surgery in November and is not expected back until the back end of the season, with Derby confirming his loan’s early termination.
Left-back James Norris briefly moved back to Merseyside after a standout loan with Shelbourne, but has now joined the Irish side on a permanent basis.
Isaac Mabaya is another player who is currently receiving treatment at the AXA Training Centre having sustained a serious Achilles injury in August, but his loan at Wigan is yet to be terminated.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Harvey Elliott blows a kiss to the supporters as he celebrates after scoring the fourth goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool await a decision from Aston Villa on the future of Harvey Elliott, who finds himself in limbo after Unai Emery confirmed he does not intend to sign him on a permanent basis.
A £35 million transfer would be triggered if Elliott plays five more times for Villa but there are no plans to do so, however the Midlands club are required to pay a financial penalty if they cut the loan short.
**Kostas Tsimikas**‘ future at AS Roma is yet to be determined, but the Greek is no longer considered a regular starter and it has been suggested that the Serie A side will look to send him back to Liverpool early.