---
title: "Man City’s frustration over Liverpool signing Balagizi revealed"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/man-citys-frustration-over-liverpool-signing-balagizi-revealed/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2020-10-09T11:30:38Z"
modified: "2020-10-09T11:30:38Z"
---

# Man City’s frustration over Liverpool signing Balagizi revealed

It has been revealed that Manchester City were left irritated by Liverpool signing youngster James Balagizi from them.

The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest prospects at the Reds’ academy, with the attacking midfielder signing his first professional contract last month.

Liverpool signed Balagizi from City when he was just 11 and the *[Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2020/oct/07/next-generation-2020-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs)*‘s Andy Hunter says “the excitement that surrounds Balagizi at Liverpool equals the frustration Manchester City feel about him”, having seen him prised away by the Reds.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

History would suggest that Balagizi made the correct decision in choosing to join Liverpool and leave City, given Jurgen Klopp’s preference for blooding young players.

While City have been more [renowned](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-top-transfer-spending-19027477) for spending huge sums of money and not giving emerging stars a chance – Phil Foden aside – Klopp drafted in Trent Alexander-Arnold at a very young age and is now showing real faith in Curtis Jones.

Numerous others have also earned playing time in domestic cup competitions, with Neco Williams and Rhys Williams both starting against Arsenal last week, and the likes of [Billy Koumetio](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2020/09/21/liverpools-billy-koumetio-could-get-first-team-role/) and [Harvey Elliott](https://www.rousingthekop.com/2020/10/08/confirmed-harvey-elliott-named-in-liverpool-champions-league-squad/) both tipped for squad roles this season, too.

Balagizi is certainly one to watch – the fact that the young Englishman made his Under-18s debut at the age of just 15 speaks volumes, also scoring a brace on the day.

If Klopp feels the he is ready, his past approach would indicate that he could give him an opportunity to shine at some point, despite the depth in midfield currently.