Liverpool transfer deal terminated as midfielder to be sent back to club | Football | Sport

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. Balagizi had planned to spend the season on loan at the National League team after transferring in the final week of the summer transfer window.

However, the 22-year-old midfielder’s playing time was limited to just two starts and eight appearances as a substitute before a hamstring injury put him out of action for the past two months. Balagizi, who has been with Liverpool since the under-11 level and previously had temporary stints at Crawley Town, Wigan Athletic and Kilmarnock, will now continue his recovery at Kirkby. A decision will be made later on whether to seek another loan before the transfer deadline on February 2. His contract expires at the end of the season.

James McConnell returned to the Reds last week after his season-long loan at Ajax in Holland was terminated due to an injury that he is still recovering from.

Several Championship teams were interested in a loan deal for McConnell last summer and could renew their interest later this month once the player regains fitness.

However, Owen Beck is expected to remain with Liverpool U21s for the rest of the season after his time with Championship side Derby County was cut short before he could make a competitive appearance due to hamstring surgery.