Liverpool could see a title-winning star return to the club in January.placeholder image
Liverpool could see a title-winning star return to the club in January. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images202
Liverpool could see a Premier League title-winning star return to the club in January
Things continued to unravel for Liverpool on Sunday as their Premier League title defence was put into further jeopardy by a convincing 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.
The Reds failed to score for just the second time under Arne Slot in the Premier League, the first in 45 matches since defeat at home to Nottingham Forest in September 2024. The manner of defeat was a worry for fans, who saw the champions appear second best across the park.
Previous victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid had signalled shoots of recovery after a wretched run of form, but Sunday’s defeat indicates that there is a lot of work to do if Slot’s side want any real chance of defending their Premier League title crown.
The Reds’ struggles on the pitch in recent weeks have been shared by those of a much-spoken about former player, who might already be set to return to Anfield after a disappointing spell away.
Harvey Elliott could be set for Liverpool return after latest Aston Villa snub
The future of Harvey Elliott was an often-discussed topic over the summer transfer window, as it became clear that the player intended to depart Liverpool in search of more first-team minutes elsewhere. The 22-year-old completed a loan deal to Aston Villa on deadline day but just over two months on, it has become clear that things are not going to plan for the England Under-21 star.
Elliott’s loan deal includes a £35million obligation to buy for the Villans, and the boyhood Red’s September 1st departure appeared to be his final goodbye to the club he had joined as a 16-year-old. But Elliott has appeared just five times for Villa so far this season, amidst reports that the obligation to buy is only triggered after he makes 10 appearances - and he has been left out of the last three matchday squads in the league.
Of Elliott’s three league appearances for Unai Emery’s side, just one has been from the start and he was withdrawn at half time, against Fulham on September 28. He has played just four minutes of football since then, against Feyenoord in the Europa League on October 2.
Harvey Elliott could return to Liverpool in January after disaster Villa spell
Elliott’s latest snub against Bournemouth on Sunday, where he was left out of the match-day squad again as the Villans went on to win 4-0, could be a sign of things to come as the former Fulham star is evidently not viewed as important to Emery’s plans at Villa Park.
This has led to speculation that Elliott may return to Liverpool as soon as January if his situation does not improve. Former Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast: “I am surprised because I think he’s a good player, but he hasn’t quite taken the eye of Emery. Now, there’s also a big conspiracy theory going on right now. He’s on loan, and if he gets 10 games, then he triggers the obligation to buy.
“There’s talk that Liverpool want him back as well, so if the loan isn’t confirmed, then he could come back to Liverpool. Perhaps Liverpool are wishing that they had him there right now on the bench while they’ve got issues with all these new expensive signings. A lot of the Liverpool fans I’ve been speaking to would have been much happier to have Elliott on the field than some of these other players.”
Whether Elliott could get any game time under Slot if he is recalled from loan is another matter, as it was a lack of opportunities last season which led to the midfielder seeking a fresh start elsewhere. But it has become increasingly clear that his long-term future may not lie at Villa Park, and an ambitious young player like Elliott will no doubt push for an exit if that is the case. We may even get the unexpected sight of Elliott pulling on a Liverpool kit at Anfield once again.
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