So far at Liverpool this summer, sporting director Richard Hughes has overseen something of a masterpiece.
Working closely with Arne Slot, Richard Hughes has been patiently waiting for the transfer window to open so Liverpool could make significant moves, and he’s done exactly that.
Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez are now Liverpool players and Slot’s starting eleven is looking incredibly healthy for next season.
But the Reds aren’t done there, Liverpool have big plans after signing Kerkez, but perhaps room will need to be made in Slot’s squad first.
And although Harvey Elliott has just been starring at the U21 Championships with England, he’s still a player the club should look to move on this summer.
Liverpool need to sell Harvey Elliott despite his brilliance for England U21s
Liverpool fans had more than one reason to be invested in England’s fortunes at the tournament, Jarell Quansah and Tyler Morton were also key parts of Lee Carsley’s squad.
But it was Elliott who really stole the show, England’s talisman in Slovakia who was awarded the Player of the Tournament award.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for England U21s.
Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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Of course, some Liverpool supporters might have felt conflicted watching Elliott’s brilliance given that he’s probably going to say farewell to Anfield this summer.
Liverpool are willing to sell Elliott for around £50m this summer, and whilst there might be a temptation for Hughes to reverse the club’s decision, he needs to stand firm.
Elliott was exceptional for England, even outshining the likes of James McAtee and Elliot Anderson over the course of the tournament.
But especially after signing Wirtz this summer, Slot can’t offer the 22-year-old Englishman the chances he needs to progress.
Liverpool haven’t learned anything new this month, Elliott was always a superb talent, but Slot’s team aren’t able to give him the minutes to shine.
Harvey Elliott can help fund Liverpool’s move for a new striker
As a result, Liverpool would be right to sell Elliott this summer, even if it is a deal that could ultimately leave them red-faced.
To thrive at Anfield, Elliott would need a regular role either as Slot’s number 10 or as his right winger, and that’s simply not going to happen.
Both Wirtz and Salah will be undroppable starters next season, and that’s without even mentioning competition from players like Dominik Szoboszlai.
Moreover, if Elliott’s sale can help fund a striker move for Liverpool then it’s simply a good business move as well.
Liverpool still dream of signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, and whilst the Swede is staying put as things stand, Hughes might still sniff an opportunity on Tyneside.
Either way, Liverpool need to sell Elliott and the midfielder is ready for a new challenge himself, and his performances for England U21s shouldn’t change anything other than upping his asking price.