Harvey Elliott has not been involved in any of Aston Villa's last four Premier League matchday squads, with manager Unai Emery stating a decision over the Liverpool loanee's future will be made in January
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, speaks to Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa before he comes on as a substitute during the Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa, speaks to Harvey Elliott before he comes on as a substitute against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 13, 2025
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Unai Emery has admitted Aston Villa may face a decision over Harvey Elliott's future when the January transfer window opens. The Liverpool loanee has featured just five times for Villa since his deadline day arrival and hasn't been included in any of the last four Premier League matchday squads.
Whilst he was unable to face parent club Liverpool on November 1, Elliott was also left out against Manchester City, Bournemouth and Leeds United.
Should the 22-year-old make 10 appearances for Villa, the club will be obligated to pay Liverpool £35m to secure his services on a permanent basis.
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Consequently, speculation has emerged suggesting Emery is limiting Elliott's game time because he remains uncertain whether the midfielder enhances his squad long-term, reports Birmingham Live.
"We now have a lot of matches. We must focus on each match with the players we have now," Emery said when questioned about Elliott's prospects at Villa.
"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 pressed on what Elliott needs to do to earn more minutes, Emery responded: "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."
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