Liverpool midfielder James Balagizi has confirmed that he has left the club after 11 years, ending an association that began when he joined the academy at Under-11 level. The 22-year-old announced his departure in a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking teammates, coaches, staff and supporters for their role in his development.
“From 11 to 22, it’s been an honour to represent this special club throughout a large part of my life,” Balagizi wrote. “I’m so grateful and fortunate for all of the experiences I’ve had over the years.” He described his time at Liverpool as a period of “ups, downs and lessons learned,” adding that he hoped the experiences would help shape the rest of his professional career.
Balagizi’s departure had already been signalled earlier in the summer, when Liverpool included him among academy players set to leave following the expiry of their contracts. His public message confirmed the end of his time at Anfield, although his next club has not yet been announced.
The midfielder was widely regarded as one of Liverpool’s more promising academy talents earlier in his development, but injuries and a series of loan moves prevented him from establishing himself in the senior side. He spent time on loan at Crawley Town, Wigan Athletic, Kilmarnock and Forest Green Rovers, gaining experience across English and Scottish football.
Balagizi leaves during a period of substantial change at Liverpool. Curtis Jones completed a £30 million move to Inter Milan, while Stefan Bajcetic returned to Spain to join Celta Vigo after persistent injury problems. Liverpool also lost senior players Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konaté and Mohamed Salah on free transfers after their contracts expired.
Liverpool are expected to continue assessing midfield options for future transfer windows. Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha has been linked with the club, although he remains under contract until 2030 and Dortmund are under no immediate pressure to sell. Reports have indicated that an €80 million release clause could become active in 2027.
The club’s recruitment plans are also complicated by uncertainty in defence. Nico Schlotterbeck has been linked with Liverpool and Real Madrid, but reports in Germany indicate Borussia Dortmund are working toward a long-term extension for the centre-back. A new deal would make a move increasingly difficult and could force Liverpool to consider alternative defensive targets.
For Balagizi, however, the immediate story is personal rather than strategic. He departs with no first-team appearance for Liverpool, but after more than a decade in the club’s system and with the gratitude of a player who spent most of his formative football years representing the Reds.
