Aston Villa may need to part ways with stars in order to fund new arrivals in January.placeholder image
Aston Villa may need to part ways with stars in order to fund new arrivals in January. | AFP via Getty Images
Aston Villa could opt to end their loan deal with Harvey Elliott early this season
As a talented and versatile midfielder, Elliott was earmarked by multiple clubs over the summer as he made the reluctant decision to pursue an opportunity away from Liverpool.
The 22-year-old had been looking for the chance to become a regular starter, having struggled for minutes since Arne Slot’s arrival on Merseyside. Elliott agreed a loan move to Aston Villa, with many backing him to become a solid addition to the club this season.
However, the playmaker has endured a disastrous first four months at Villa Park and there are now talks he could be sent back to Anfield.
Keith Wyness discusses Harvey Elliott failed Aston Villa move
Elliott has played just 96 minutes of Premier League football since his arrival at Villa Park. His best showcase of himself came when he started against Brentford in the Carabao Cup and scored in the 1-1 draw, only for the Bees to progress on penalties.
Since then, Elliott has been severely out of favour, which has cast serious doubt over Villa’s willing to trigger the £35 million permanent transfer clause in his contract. Many reports are now suggesting ties could be severed between the player and his loan club, meaning he is likely to return to Liverpool in the new year.
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness admitted he believes Slot would have featured Elliott as a substitute option throughout this season, while things have been tough for the defending Premier League champions.
“I think that’s what’s pointing to him coming back to Liverpool in some way. It’s a very difficult situation for the boy, very difficult. And I know that if he does come back, he probably would be benched and probably not be getting the game time.
“I think there’s a real player in there, a real talent. I’ve always rated Harvey Elliott. I’m surprised that, you know, Emery hasn’t been able to integrate him into the squad.
“But then again, you know, players like Morgan Rogers in midfield as well, Youri Tielemans, et cetera. It’s been difficult to find a spot for him. But I do think particularly at clubs that may be coming up from next season. I think he’d be a great acquisition.”
Liverpool will benefit from Harvey Elliott return
Liverpool have struggled to keep consistent form this season and a recent nightmare run saw them lose six out of seven games across September and November.
Despite forking out a record-breaking amount of money on new signings over the summer, Slot’s side have struggled to gel and their attack has often looked limp. New recruits Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have come under criticism for their lack of goals, resulting in both being dropped on occasions.
Wirtz is still without his first Liverpool goal and has just one assist in the Premier League since his arrival. The Reds have two wins in their last five appearances and recently settled for 1-1 and 3-3 draws against Sunderland and Leeds United respectively.
Elliott has shown his capability of turning a game around from off the bench, which is exactly what Liverpool need during tough fixtures this season. Bringing him back into the fold at Anfield will provide Slot with another talented and hard-working option to change a game, who knows the team well.
Due to FIFA rules, Elliott will only be able to play for either Liverpool or Villa again this season. A return to the Reds could be exactly what all parties in the situation need.
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