Mohamed Salah sends classy parting message to outgoing team-mate Harvey Elliott, who joined Aston Villa on loan on transfer deadline day
Harvey Elliott celebrates with Mohamed Salah
Harvey Elliott celebrates with Mohamed Salah (Image: Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah has sent a heartfelt message to departing Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, telling his younger colleague: "You'll always be remembered for your loyalty and dedication."
England Under-21 star Elliott joined Aston Villa on transfer deadline on a season-long loan, with the Villans having an obligation to make the switch permanent at the end of the season for £35m.
Elliott had initially been wanted by Bundesliga side RB Leipzig and also snubbed interest from former club Fulham and West Ham United before Villa made a late move on Monday afternoon.
Salah played with Elliott for six years on Merseyside and sent a social media message to his now former team-mate after the switch to Villa Park how he wishes him well in his next part of his career.
Accompanied by two images of the pair from a game against Rangers in 2022 - when the Reds won 7-0 at Ibrox - and a pre-season training camp in earlier that year, Salah posted: "You’ll be remembered for your loyalty and dedication every time you were called upon.
"You leave as a champion, and I’ve got no doubt you’ll do big things at your new club. They are lucky to have you."
"More than a brother to me!!" Elliott replied. "An icon to look up to and a real close friend whenever I needed you! Thank you king."
Liverpool had initially been keen to resist late moves for Elliott, feeling the value placed on the midfielder would outprice interested suitors. However, with the former Fulham teenager desperate to kick on after winning player of the tournament award at the Under-21s European Championship in Slovakia this summer, the Reds eventually agreed to a loan deal.
Liverpool have buy-back and sell-on clauses inserted into the terms that have taken Elliott to Villa Park after reluctantly accepting the 22-year-old was keen to secure more first-team opportunities elsewhere in the Premier League.
Elliott made 149 appearances across his six years on Merseyside, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and the Club World Cup in December 2019.