Though bringing Harvey Elliott back from his loan spell at Aston Villa seems the best solution for all parties, Arne Slot has again shut down talk of a return to Liverpool.
Elliott has not played for Aston Villa since four minutes off the bench against Feyenoord on October 2 – meaning he has now missed almost three months of football.
That is despite the 22-year-old being fully fit, with Villa head coach Unai Emery simply not selecting him, widely believed to be due to the £35 million buy clause which would be triggered if Elliott plays 10 games.
With Elliott frozen out at Villa and Liverpool increasingly short of options in both midfield and attack, the obvious decision would seemingly be terminating the deal early.
Will Liverpool recall Harvey Elliott from Aston Villa?
But Slot continues to refuse any speculation over Elliott rejoining his squad.
“No, Harvey is an Aston Villa player and he’s supposed to be going there for a season,” he told reporters on Tuesday when asked if he had explored the possibility of bringing his No. 19 back.
“Any questions about him, the best person to ask is at Villa. But they are doing really well, by the way.”
• READ: Harvey Elliott was left “in tears” after “agonising” Liverpool exit
This comes after Slot’s previous comments on the situation on December 5, when he revealed he had not spoken with Elliott during his time at Villa bar a brief exchange before he played against the Liverpool coach’s former club.
“I haven’t had contact with him a lot,” he said at the time.
Aston Villa's Harvey Elliott (right) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Carabao Cup third round match at the Gtech Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday September 16, 2025.
“I think only once or twice, and that was before and after he played Feyenoord away. But that had more to do with he played against a former club of mine.
“So no, I haven’t spoken to him.
“I am aware of his situation, of course. I knew how difficult it already was for him over here, so I think I know how he feels in this moment.
“But yeah, you should ask those questions at Villa and not over here when it’s about his playing time over there.”
Harvey Elliott Loan: Frequently Asked Questions
Can Liverpool recall Harvey Elliott in January?
While most loans have recall windows, Slot’s recent comments and complex permanent obligation clause suggest a return is currently unlikely.
Why is Harvey Elliott not playing for Aston Villa?
Elliott has been frozen out by Unai Emery. If he reaches 10 starts, Villa are obligated to buy him for £35 million – a clause they seem keen to avoid triggering.
Could Elliott join another club if he leaves Villa?
No. Due to FIFA regulations and having already played for Liverpool and Villa this season, his only eligible destination in 2025/26 is a return to Anfield.
Have Your Say
Should Liverpool rescue Harvey Elliott from his Villa nightmare to help cover for Isak and Salah?
Is Arne Slot being too cold with his treatment of a player who was a key part of last season?
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