ENGLAND YOUTH INTERNATIONAL JOINS ON LOAN UNTIL THE END OF THE 2023/24 SEASON
Latics sign midfielder James Balagizi on loan from Liverpool
19-year-old joins up until the end of the 2023/24 campaign
Balagizi, who is an England youth international, spent the first half of last term on loan in Sky Bet League Two with Crawley Town
Wigan Athletic are pleased to confirm the season-long loan signing of attacking midfielder James Balagizi from Premier League giants Liverpool FC.
Balagizi is an England youth international who joins up with Shaun Maloney’s men, having enjoyed a successful loan spell with Sky Bet League Two side Crawley Town last term.
Hailing from Manchester, Balagizi spent his formative years with Manchester City, before joining Liverpool FC at the age of 11, where he has since developed a strong reputation at Anfield due to his pace, athleticism and technical ability.
The 19-year-old, who has represented England at various youth levels, became a regular for the Reds’ senior Academy sides and was part of the side that reached the FA Youth Cup Final in 2020/21.
On the back of his outstanding form, Balagizi was rewarded with his first professional contract with the Reds in September 2020, and he went on to be named in the first-team matchday squad on two occasions in the 2021/22 campaign.
In order to continue his exciting development, Balagizi headed to Crawley Town for his first senior loan move last summer, and he certainly excelled during his six-month stay at the Broadfield Stadium.
Balagizi made 16 appearances for the League Two side across all competitions, scoring three goals, including a memorable effort which helped Crawley upset Premier League side Fulham in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup.
A former teammate of the likes of Kieran Lloyd, Abdi Sharif and Charlie Hughes, Balagizi will now link up with Maloney’s men for the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One campaign, adding further strength to Latics’ attacking options.
Commenting on his move to the DW Stadium, James said:
“I’m so excited and ready to get going. It’s a massive Club with massive history – and speaking to the Gaffer and everyone around the Club, they made me feel really comfortable in coming here.
“The best way for me to develop is by playing as many senior games as possible. Last year, my first loan was a good experience for me, and hopefully, I can further my development here.”
First Team Manager, Shaun Maloney added:
“We are thrilled that James has joined us on a season-long loan. He is a very exciting midfielder, who has represented his county at various youth levels and has already gained experience out on loan in the EFL.
“We have worked very hard over the summer to convince him to come to us ahead of others, and he will be very suited to how we are looking to play this season. I am really looking forward to working with James, and helping him continue his professional development here.”
