Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images | Getty Images
Arne Slot has made up his mind on the future of this Liverpool player
The 22-year-old made the reluctant decision to leave Anfield on loan this season but it’s not one that has paid off. Elliott joined Aston Villa in search of regular playing time but he has arguably received less opportunities than he would have under Arne Slot.
Since his arrival at Villa Park, Elliott has played just 174 minutes of football in all competitions. His last appearance was a four-minute Europa League cameo on October 2nd. There are now talks over his time at Aston Villa being brought to an early end but even if he leaves the West Midlands clubs, his future is still not certain.
Will Harvey Elliott return to Liverpool in January?
Elliott’s loan deal with Villa includes an obligation to buy clause worth £35 million, should he made ten appearances for the club. However, with just five appearances in all competitions, it’s clear that Unai Emery does not see the versatile midfielder as part of his plans.
As there is no recall clause in play, Liverpool, Villa and Elliott will all need to mutually agree to terminate his current deal once the January transfer window opens. Another issue is that Elliott will not be able to play for another club this season, as FIFA rules only allow a player to represent two teams in one campaign. Elliott made two appearances for Liverpool this season before he joined the Villans.
Arne Slot ‘crystal clear’ on future of Harvey Elliott
According to TEAMtalk, Elliott’s return to Liverpool will not fix the current state of his career. Despite being able to provide the Reds with much-needed squad depth, the midfielder is ‘not in Slot’s plans for the future’.
This leaves him in a concerning state of limbo, as limited playing time in the second half of the season will deny him the chance to put himself in the shop window for other clubs.
Slot reportedly still rates Elliott but there is ‘little chance’ of him ‘turning his career at Anfield around’.
Regardless of whether Elliott returns to Liverpool in January or not, the club ‘fully intend’ to sell him permanently once the summer window opens. The Reds will use the opportunity to generate funds for new signings of their own. Slot is said to be ‘crystal clear’ on his intentions to sell Elliott, despite his efforts over the years and willingness to be a team player.
Prior to his loan exit, Elliott told the media how happy he was at Liverpool and showed his willing to continue showing up when needed.
“I said it in an interview the other day, this is my team, this is my club,” he told Amazon Prime back in January after scoring the winning goal against Lille in the Champions League.
“I’ve had conversations with the gaffer, but at the same time, I need to understand the situation. For me to go in and say I should be starting it would be silly of myself really.
“I need to stay patient and when I am getting opportunities, however long it is, just enjoy the moment, especially after being injured for three months at the start of the season. I just want to enjoy my football, and when a chance comes, I need to show the gaffer that if I am needed, I am ready.”
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