James Balagizi has had his loan spell with Forest Green Rovers cut short after being recalled by Liverpool, with the midfielder having made just two starts and eight substitute appearances before a hamstring injury
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Writer and Tom Blow Deputy Editor
18:31, 06 Jan 2026
Harvey Elliott is struggling for minutes at Aston Villa
Harvey Elliott is struggling for minutes at Aston Villa(Image: Getty Images)
James Balagizi has become the third Liverpool player to be brought back from loan during the mid-season window, following an early end to his stint at Forest Green Rovers.
And Balagizi might not be the last player returning to Merseyside this month, as Harvey Elliott's future continues to be a talking point. The midfielder joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal in September, which included an obligation to buy him this summer.
Yet Villa will only have to stump up £35 million ($47 million) for Elliott once he makes 10 appearances for the West Midlands club. Unai Emery hasn't played Elliott for several months, with the manager suggesting the player won't get back into his plans anytime soon.
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There's now speculation that Elliott could return to Anfield this month if a termination of his loan can be agreed between Liverpool and Villa.
While Elliott's future remains up in the air, one player who has more clarity is Balagizi, the 22-year-old midfielder.
Balagizi had committed to a season-long loan at the National League club after transferring in the final week of the summer transfer window.
Robbie Savage, the manager of Forest Green Rovers, said upon signing Balagizi: "It's another great bit of recruitment for the club and shows yet more incredible backing... We're delighted to add James to the squad."
James Balagizi in action for Liverpool's U21s
James Balagizi in action for Liverpool's U21s(Image: Getty Images)
However, his playing time was restricted to just two starts and eight appearances off the bench before a hamstring injury put him out of action for the last two months.
Balagizi, who has been with Liverpool since the U11 level and previously had loan spells at Crawley Town, Wigan, and Kilmarnock, will now continue his recovery at Kirkby.
A decision on whether to arrange another loan before the transfer deadline on 2 February will be made in due course.
His contract expires at the end of this season.
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James McConnell returned to the Reds last week after his season-long loan at Ajax in Holland was cut short. The midfielder has been sidelined for a month with an injury, from which he is still recovering.
Several Championship clubs expressed interest in a loan deal for McConnell last summer and may revisit that interest later this month once the player is fit again.
Meanwhile, Owen Beck is expected to remain with Liverpool U21s for the rest of the season. His time with Championship side Derby County was cut short before he could make a competitive appearance due to hamstring surgery.