Image Credits: Imago Images
Harvey Elliott’s loan spell at Aston Villa has failed to take off, prompting speculation that the midfielder could return to Liverpool when the January transfer window opens.
The 22-year-old joined Villa on deadline day with an obligation to buy clause worth £35 million — triggered once he makes 10 appearances for the club.
However, Elliott has been stuck on just five appearances since early October, accumulating a mere 167 minutes across all competitions.
Manager Unai Emery has consistently overlooked the England youth international, with Elliott left out of Villa’s last four Premier League matchday squads.
The attacking midfielder has been unable to dislodge key figures such as Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia in the offensive areas.
Reports have claimed that the Villains are hesitant about triggering the permanent transfer due to UEFA’s profit and sustainability regulations, which make committing £35 million increasingly difficult.
Elliott was initially brought in as injury cover, but with Villa’s squad now largely fit, his pathway to regular minutes difficult.
“We now have a lot of matches. We must focus on each match with the players we have now,” Emery said when asked if Elliott has a future with Villa as quoted by the Birmingham Live.
“We are not thinking about the transfer window in January. He is one of our players and hopefully he can help us. Then, we are going to decide.”
When quizzed on what the Reds loanee needs to do for minutes, Emery reasoned: “Firstly, there are other players performing very well. This is the first argument of why he is not playing. He is training very well every day.”
While no recall clause exists in the agreement, both clubs can mutually agree to end the arrangement early — a scenario that now looks increasingly likely.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.