Villa News exclusive as Harvey Elliott warms up in the left half, as Aston Villa manager Unai Emery looks across angrily from the right half.
Credit: Imago, Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Mark Smith
Wed 3 December 2025 11:40, UK
Harvey Elliott is stuck in a nightmare at Aston Villa.
Villa signed Elliott on loan from Liverpool on transfer deadline day, yet the England international has spent more time out of the squad than making an impact.
It has been that much of a failure that Aston Villa are already exploring possible situations to end the loan, with FIFA complications possible.
Unai Emery insists he believes in Elliott, yet that hasn’t translated to more minutes.
Harvey Elliott looking concentrated while playing for Aston Villa
Credit: Imago
Aston Villa could end Harvey Elliott loan
Dan Plumley believes that it’s a real possibility that Elliott returns to Anfield as soon as January, with Emery still getting results without him.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, the football finance expert admitted that Villa simply need to look after themselves with the finances included in any deal.
“For those two clubs to agree that, for Villa, you can see the positives,” Plumley said.
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“Everyone thought he would go there and get loads of game time, be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
“That’s not happening at the minute, and Emery has done wonders with that club over the past couple of years, and he is obviously sticking to his guns; it’s not working for him, that’s clear.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery looking happy while clapping
Credit: Imago
“If you are not going to continue to pick him, you might as well say if you’re in Villa’s position, let’s send him back in January if you can.
“That’s a shame for the player, but if you’re Aston Villa, you’ve got to look after yourselves and that can save finances too.
“It’s a real possibility that he does go back to Liverpool in January, because he’s clearly not in the plans, and you don’t want any player sitting on the sidelines not being part of your squad.”
How has Harvey Elliott performed this season?
In truth, Elliott hasn’t really had the chance to show anything at Aston Villa.
Only he and Emery will know why, but the Spaniard is still producing wonders on the pitch without his marquee summer loan signing, so no questions are needed.
Elliott has only featured for 104 minutes in the Premier League this season, with zero goals or assists in that limited time.
If this doesn’t change over the busy Christmas period, this agreement has to be terminated.
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