Image Credits: Imago Images
When Harvey Elliott completed his deadline-day switch to Aston Villa in September, the move appeared to offer the perfect solution for all parties.
Liverpool would secure a £35 million windfall, Villa would acquire a promising young midfielder, and Elliott would finally get the regular first-team football he craved.
Just three months later, that carefully constructed agreement looks increasingly fragile as the 22-year-old struggles for minutes and Villa show signs of cold feet over the permanent transfer.
The deal structure seemed straightforward: a season-long loan with an obligation to buy triggered once Elliott made ten appearances across all competitions.
Yet with the campaign now well into December, the England U21 international has featured just five times for his new club.
Unai Emery’s recent team selections tell their own story. Elliott has been omitted from Villa’s last five Premier League matchday squads entirely, including Sunday’s victory over Wolves where he wasn’t even named among the substitutes.
The manager’s explanations have been diplomatic but telling, citing exceptional performances from other players as the primary reason for Elliott’s absence.
BBC Sport reports that Villa harbour reservations about committing to the £35 million outlay, with profit and sustainability concerns influencing their thinking.
However, the report also suggests that although there is no formal exit clause, Villa can pay the “requisite fee” on top of the loan fee to end the deal early:
“A return to Anfield remains unlikely – there is no recall clause – with Liverpool viewing him as a Villa player,” Nick Mashiter wrote.
“The deal could always be cancelled though, if Villa were willing to pay the requisite amount on top of the loan fee.”
“Finances will come into consideration – as Liverpool have budgeted to sell Elliott and offload his wages. Would they be happy for him to return, having essentially sold in him in the summer?”
FIFA regulations prohibit him from appearing for a third club this campaign, meaning his only options are fighting for a Villa place or returning to Liverpool.
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