James Balagizi will start his journey to first-team action next season, as the Liverpool academy talent will be sent out on loan to League 2 club Crawley Town; the first of his career.
Balagizi is seen as one of the hottest prospects in Liverpool’s academy and is keen to catch the eye of Jurgen Klopp during his stint away from Merseyside.
The teenager spoke to Crawley’s official club website where he chatted about his eagerness to learn and progress as a footballer over the coming campaign.
‘I’m over the moon to just sign and I feel like it’s the right move for me and my family and I’m just excited to get things underway’ He said.
James Balagizi has signed a new contract and joined Crawley Town on loan for the 2022-23 season.
Good luck, @jamesbalagizi 👊
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 30, 2022
There were plenty of clubs keen to bring in the 18-year-old next season, nevertheless, it was Crawley that caught the midfielder’s attention and their coach that was the key factor in Balagizi joining the League 2 club.
‘Initially, my relationship with the coach Kevin was the first thing that brought me here because he got in my ear and basically influenced my decision, but then I did more research into the club and I really liked the project that’s going on here.’
‘I feel like coming here in the preseason has given me the opportunity to get used to my new teammates, the new staff, so it’s a great time to come and obviously prove myself and get in everyone’s good books for the start of the season.’
The move is great for all parties involved, the youngster will get some much-needed first-team football in a very tough tier of English football and will in turn hopefully progress into an even better player.