Home Football Kilmarnock Secures Loan Deal for Liverpool’s James Balagizi

Kilmarnock Secures Loan Deal for Liverpool’s James Balagizi

Football — 01/24/2024

Kilmarnock Secures Loan Deal for Liverpool Midfielder James Balagizi

Liverpool tie James Balagizi to pro deal after milestone week for 'next big thing' - Liverpool FC - This Is Anfield

Kilmarnock has officially announced the loan signing of 20-year-old Liverpool midfielder James Balagizi until the end of the season. The move comes after Balagizi’s stint with Wigan Athletic, where he featured in just seven matches across all competitions during the first half of the campaign.

Despite making the starting XI in several EFL Trophy and EFL Cup matches for Wigan, Balagizi accumulated only 86 minutes of playing time in League One, primarily through three substitute appearances. Following his limited involvement and absence from the League One matchday squad since October, Liverpool opted to recall the English midfielder and sought a new loan destination for him.

James Balagizi joins Kilmarnock on loan - Liverpool FC

Subject to international clearance, Balagizi is set to spend the next six months with Kilmarnock on a straight loan, with no option or obligation to buy. The 20-year-old expressed his excitement about the move, stating, “I’m really excited to get the deal done, I am happy with the project at the club and excited to get things going.”

Balagizi emphasized his creativity and work rate, aiming to contribute to Kilmarnock’s exciting project. The midfielder, who began his footballing journey with Liverpool, signed his first professional deal with the club in September 2020 after an impressive stint with the Under-18s.

Liverpool U23s take injury blow as James Balagizi follows up first-team exposure - Liverpool FC - This Is Anfield

While yet to make his first-team debut under Jurgen Klopp, Balagizi has gained valuable experience through previous loan spells, including a stint at Crawley Town during the 2022-23 season. Now, he is poised to make his debut for Kilmarnock, currently fourth-placed in the Scottish Premiership, in a home fixture against Hibernian on Saturday.

Balagizi’s loan move to Kilmarnock marks the fourth departure from Liverpool in January, following Fabio Carvalho (Hull City), Luke Chambers (Wigan), and Rhys Williams (Port Vale). The English Under-20 international brings his skill set to Kilmarnock, aiming to make a positive impact on the pitch and contribute to the club’s ongoing endeavors.