The transfer saga of Harvey Elliott will only intensify ahead of the January transfer window
Arne Slot watches on as Harvey Elliott takes the ball for Liverpool during a pre-season friendly
Harvey Elliott has been used sparingly during his loan at Aston Villa
View 3 Images
The future of Harvey Elliott remains uncertain, with the next step in the Englishman's career yet to be determined. The Liverpool starlet made a deadline day move to Aston Villa, but four months on, the 23-year-old has seen limited action under Unai Emery.
It's unclear whether the attacking midfielder will complete the season at Villa Park or return to Arne Slot's squad, who are currently missing Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak.
As the Reds gear up to face bottom-of-the-table Wolves on Saturday afternoon, we examine the latest development in Elliott's future and the persuasion Slot had to employ for one of his key players.
Harvey Elliott update
The transfer saga surrounding Elliott is set to intensify as we near the January transfer window, with the Englishman finding himself out of favour at Aston Villa. Emery has already stated that his team won't be making Elliott's loan deal permanent, which would have been activated by him making 10 appearances - he's only played in five matches so far.
Harvey Elliott touches the ball
Harvey Elliott has appeared a mere five times for Aston Villa this season
View 3 Images
Given that he already featured for Liverpool prior to his deadline day switch to Villa, Elliott can't represent a third club this season, leaving the 22-year-old's career in a state of uncertainty. The attacking midfielder's next move is complicated, as the Reds do not have a recall clause in the season-long loan, according to The Athletic.
The report also suggests that Villa - currently third in the Premier League table - would need to pay Liverpool a fee if they wish to terminate the loan early.
Content Image
Content Image
Slot convinces Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike has unquestionably been the standout performer among Liverpool's summer signings, with the 23-year-old currently leading the club-scoring charts with 10 goals in all competitions. His Anfield journey began on a high note with three goals in his first three matches, but he then managed just three more in his next 17 outings.
However, earlier this month, Ekitike found his goal-scoring form again, netting five league goals in his last three matches and helping Liverpool climb to fifth in the table.
His recent success coincides with his increased focus on physical conditioning, a change that manager Arne Slot admits he had to persuade Ekitike was necessary for him to thrive in English football.
Arne Slot talking to Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike is Liverpool's top scorer (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
The Reds' boss shared: "He showed a lot of hard work to get to this fitness level where he is at the moment. It sometimes took us – me – a bit of convincing that this all is actually needed to become stronger but he always did it, not always with a smile on his face but he has worked really hard to get fitter on and off the pitch.
"I've tried to convince him as well, the better you defend a set-piece the bigger chance you have to score at the other end, because if you are 0-0 it is easier to score a goal than if you are 1-0 down. It may sound strange but it is what it does with the energy levels of the other team."