Wigan Athletic beat off stiff competition to land Liverpool midfielder

The 19-year-old England Youth midfielder becomes Latics' sixth summer signing, on a season-long loan deal.

For Maloney, it's the end of a long process of persuading him to sign up.

“We are thrilled James has joined us on a season-long loan," the Latics boss said.

"He is a very exciting midfielder, who has represented his county at various youth levels and has already gained experience out on loan in the EFL.

“We have worked very hard over the summer to convince him to come to us ahead of others, and he will be very suited to how we are looking to play this season.

"I am really looking forward to working with James and helping him continue his professional development here.”

The 19-year-old Mancunian spent the first half of last season on loan at League Two Crawley Town, scoring three times in 16 appearances, before returning to Anfield due to injury.

After being given the green light to go out on loan again, Latics have pulled off a real coup in getting him over the line.

“I’m so excited and ready to get going," he said. "It’s a massive club with a massive history.

"And speaking to the gaffer and everyone around the club, they made me feel really comfortable coming here.

“They were really keen to sign me which swayed my decision.

"The style of play was compelling, and the gaffer says we’ll play a good brand of football, and I’d suit his plans.

"It made my decision a lot easier. Seeing the positive direction the club is going in helped convince me to come here.

"Hopefully, we can build something special over the next year.”

Balagizi is hoping a second successful loan will help him towards his overall goal of making the grade at Liverpool.

“The best way for me to develop is by playing as many senior games as possible,” he added.

“At Crawley, it was good for me because I had never been in a senior environment before.

"Taking that first step into men’s football was a good experience, and playing in front of fans was a massive thing for me.

"It was a big learning curve and I am glad I had that experience and was able to do well with it.”

"My first loan was a good experience for me, and hopefully, I can further my development here."

Midfield had been something of a priority for Maloney in terms of recruitment. during the off-season

Tom Naylor (Chesterfield), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen) and Max Power (Saudi Arabia) have all moved on top pastures new since the end of last term, with Christ Tiehi (Slovan Liberec) and Miguel Azeez (Arsenal) also returning to their parent clubs.

Arsenal youngster Matt Smith had already been brought in, with Balagizi now adding to the manager’s options in the engine room.