68-word statement released as Liverpool player returns to Merseyside with season-long loan cut shortplaceholder image
68-word statement released as Liverpool player returns to Merseyside with season-long loan cut short | Getty Images
A Liverpool forward has returned to Merseyside after seeing his season-long loan cut short
Liverpool have recalled a third player from loan this month due to another injury concern.
The Reds sent Harvey Elliott, Kostas Tsimikas, Vitezslav Jaros, Harvey Davies, Owen Beck, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas, Luca Stephenson, James Balagizi and Isaac Mabaya out on loan during the summer.
For some players it was about getting valuable minutes at senior level while for the likes of Elliott and Tsimikas - they have departed with views to their exits becoming permanent down the line.
So far this month, Beck and McConnell have returned from their respective loans at Derby County and Ajax due to injury problems. Beck has a hamstring problem which required surgery while McConnell is not out long term and may earn another loan before the window shuts.
It has now been confirmed that James Balagizi has been recalled from his loan spell with Forest Green Rovers.
“The 22-year-old will link back up with the Reds on Wednesday (January 7) after spending the first half of the 2025-26 season with the National League side.
“Balagizi joined Liverpool as an U11 player and has been part of the senior team's matchday squad on two occasions to date.”
Balagizi has had previous loan spells at Crawley Town, Wigan Athletic and Kilmarnock. He is out of contract at the end of the season and he is likely to move on this summer as he is at the age where he needs regular senior football.
The Liverpool Echo reports the player has also picked up an injury, as he joins Beck and McConnell in seeing his loan stint ended.
The striker made 10 appearances for Forest Green, and scored a last-minute equaliser against Scunthorpe United earlier in the campaign. When he joined Forest Green, a season-long loan was agreed but it will not be seen through.
At the time of his signing, Rovers 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."
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