Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will have some big decisions to make in January.placeholder image
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will have some big decisions to make in January. | Getty Images
Liverpool could see the January return of a former Jurgen Klopp favourite to Anfield
Things continue to go from bad to worse for Liverpool, and the questions on Arne Slot will only become stronger and more scything if the Reds’ current form continues.
The Dutch head coach has suffered from what so far appears to be an unsuccessful summer of huge spending, where he also let go several first-team stars who had won the league title just last season.
The return of one player is being discussed, amidst a growing belief that Slot could reunite with the former Liverpool title-winner and give him an opportunity to play in a role in the Reds’ hoped turnaround in the second half of the campaign.
Harvey Elliott could return to Liverpool in January
The 22-year-old moved to Villa Park on deadline day in an initial loan move which included a conditional obligation to buy the England Under-21 star for £35million next summer.
But Elliott has fallen hugely out of favour under Unai Emery, and the belief exists that the Spaniard is purposely avoiding playing the midfielder so to avoid him making the five further appearances needed to make his deal permanent.
Emery has such a role of influence following his successful spell as Villans manager that he likely has every blessing by the club to effectively veto their Elliott deal, with the Englishman playing just 96 Premier League minutes so far this season and finding himself dropped from the last four matchday squads.
An early return to Anfield could, therefore, be in the best interests of all involved, particularly the player who has previously expressed concerns over his career progression stagnating if he does not play enough.
Possible Anfield return for Jurgen Klopp favourite Elliott
Amidst Liverpool’s attacking issues in a number of areas, the potential return of Elliott could prove a blessing for Slot and give him another attacking option to take the pressure off his under-performing stars.
Elliott is most comfortable playing in an attacking midfield area but has also been known to fill in on either wing, and registered five goals and three assists last season despite very limited minutes.
Famously a utility man and sometimes super-sub under Jurgen Klopp, Elliott was a favourite of the German and could be given the opportunity for his Anfield renaissance.
Transfer expert Dean Jones told TEAMtalk: “I think Liverpool and Arne Slot will have a decision on Harvey Elliott to contemplate by the end of the year. His loan spell at Aston Villa is not going to plan and I get the impression we are heading towards a crunch decision over his immediate future.
“Elliott did not fit into Liverpool’s plans at the start of the season – but if he ends his loan early then Slot may need to consider what to do with him. It may be unlikely, but at a time when the side is lacking conviction in invention, creativity and goals he could be a figure that adds depth and competition.
“The move to Villa has been a frustrating one, but it’s almost certain the Midlands club are not going to trigger a clause to make his transfer a permanent one.”
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