Harvey Elliott has shared an emotional farewell message following his departure from Liverpool, explaining he has joined Aston Villa for “the opportunity to play.”
Elliott had been expected to leave Liverpool throughout the transfer window, but a move to Aston Villa was not considered until deadline day.
The 22-year-old attracted interest from RB Leipzig and held exploratory talks with Tottenham, but he has instead joined Unai Emery’s side on an initial loan deal.
That will become permanent if Elliott makes 10 appearances, meaning he is almost certain to become a Villa player for £35 million next summer.
While Liverpool retain a buy-back clause, their willingness to sanction the midfielder’s exit comes after facing the reality that he simply wouldn’t be given the game time he needs by Arne Slot.
That was central to Elliott’s choice, with the boyhood Liverpool supporter explaining as much in his farewell to fans.
“When I joined Liverpool in 2019 it was a dream come true for me and my family,” he wrote on Instagram.
“As a young child I travelled the world supporting the team as a fan and words will never be able to explain the feeling I had when I pulled on that famous red shirt for the first time as a player.
“Over the course of the last six years I’ve experienced so much and grown from a young 16-year-old boy into a man during my time at the club.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 27, 2022: Liverpool's captain Jordan Henderson and team-mates celebrate with the trophy after during the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool won 11-10 on penalties after a goal-less draw. goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, Luis Díaz, Ibrahima Konaté, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, Harvey Elliott, Rhys Williams, Mohamed Salah, captain Jordan Henderson, Kostas Tsimikas, Joel Matip, goalkeeper Adrián San Miguel del Castillo, Divock Origi. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Growing up I could never have imagined that I’d go on to play 150 games for my boyhood team, winning seven major trophies and culminating in being part of the squad to have won the Premier League last season with such a special group.
“Thank you to everybody at the club for welcoming me from the very first day I arrived and for looking after me ever since.
“Thank you to the board and Jurgen Klopp for helping me live my dream of becoming a Liverpool player. To Arne Slot, all of the coaches and staff who have helped me along the way and of course my teammates.
“It’s been a privilege to play with you all and I feel lucky to have made so many lifelong friends along the way.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Harvey Elliott blows a kiss to the supporters as he celebrates after scoring the fourth goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“To the incredible Liverpool fans. Thank you for making me one of your own and for always supporting me through both good and tough times.
“I’ll always cherish the bond we have together. I will always have Liverpool in my heart.
“It’s now time for a new challenge. I am incredibly ambitious and feel that at this stage of my career it’s important to be in an environment where I’m able to have the opportunity to play and progress as much as possible.
“Thank you all for everything. See you soon! YNWA.”