Forest Green are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder James Balagizi from Liverpool on a season-long loan deal.

The talented youngster has been with the Reds since U11s and signed a first professional deal with the club in September 2020, and more recently an extension in the 2023-24 campaign.

An England youth international, Balagizi has been a regular in the U18 and U21 teams and starred in the young Reds side who reached the FA Youth Cup final in 2020-21. He was also amongst the substitutes for the senior team during the 2021-22 campaign.

The 21-year-old has also enjoyed loan spells at Wigan Athletic, Kilmarnock and Crawley Town.

On his signing, 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."

Manager Robbie Savaged added: "It's another great bit of recruitment for the club and shows yet more incredible backing from Dale (Vince) and Asif (Rehmanwala). We're delighted to add James to the squad.

James will wear the number 26 shirt.

To sponsor James for the 25-26 season, please get in touch with partnerships@fgr.co.uk.