Harvey Elliott‘s time on loan at Aston Villa has been an abject failure so far, but there is currently no sign that Liverpool are planning talks to bring the midfielder back.
Elliott joined Villa on an initial season-long loan on deadline day, with an obligation-to-buy clause worth £35 million negotiated into the deal.
That clause will be triggered if the 22-year-old makes 10 or more appearances, but while that seemed easily achievable he has now gone unused in the last seven games.
Unai Emery has left Elliott out of the squad entirely for the last three Premier League games, leading to speculation over the deal being terminated in January.
However The Athletic report that, as it stands, neither Liverpool nor Villa have given an indication that they wish to cut the loan short.
Liverpool cannot simply recall Elliott in January
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool's Harvey Elliott on the pitch before the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Due to the terms of their agreement Liverpool do not have a recall clause, which means if any party were to seek an early break that would need to be negotiated.
Elliott is described as “increasingly disappointed” over his situation as it “wasn’t what he expected or was told lay ahead when he signed.”
That may suggest that the midfielder would be eager to leave Villa in January, particularly in a World Cup year, but having also played for Liverpool already this season he would be blocked from featuring for a third club in 2025/26.
Therefore he faces one of three eventualities: stay at Villa and force his way into Emery’s plans; rejoin Liverpool in an unlikely move; or endure a difficult season out of favour.
Interestingly, it is explained that Emery preferred both West Ham‘s Lucas Paqueta and Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Asensio – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa – and Elliott was only signed after moves fell through.
The Villa head coach has overseen an upturn in form in recent months and that has come with Emi Buendia shining in the No. 10 role and a number of other options used ahead of Elliott.
What does Harvey Elliott need to do to trigger £35m Villa move?
Aston Villa's Harvey Elliott (right) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Carabao Cup third round match at the Gtech Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday September 16, 2025.
There had been ambiguity over the terms of the 10-game threshold which will trigger a permanent £35 million move to Villa Park.
But This Is Anfield understands this refers to appearances in all competitions, rather than any in particular such as the Premier League.
Elliott has so far played five times for Villa and it is still likely that he will feature five more times and secure a permanent move – but his loan club, and certainly Emery, may be mindful of that looming target.