Need to know
Harvey Elliott has not been blessed with game time at Aston Villa and with an injury crisis at Liverpool, Arne Slot may be wise to recall him, but that aspect is complicated
Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott is not playing much at Aston Villa(Image: Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Can Liverpool recall Harvey Elliott from Aston Villa?
Loan Agreement and Permanent Clause: Harvey Elliott is currently on a season-long loan at Aston Villa which includes a high-value permanent transfer trigger. Reports suggest that if Elliott plays 10 games for Villa this season, it will activate a clause in his contract initiating a permanent transfer for £35million.
Limited Playing Time: Despite his potential, the 22-year-old has struggled to break into Unai Emery's starting line-up regularly this season. Having made only seven appearances so far, the player is reportedly disappointed with the lack of opportunities to prove himself at Villa.
Recall Complications: Liverpool are considering something of an early recall to bolster their squad, but the legal structure of the loan presents a significant hurdle. Because the current deal doesn't include an actual recall clause, all parties involved would have to agree to cancel his loan to facilitate a return to Merseyside.
Liverpool’s Injury Crisis: The Reds are facing a shortage of attacking options due to serious injuries to key players like Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo. Manager Arne Slot described Isak’s long-term absence as a "big, big, big disappointment for him and as a result of that, of course, also for us."
Impact of International Duty: The club’s depth is being further tested by Mohamed Salah’s departure for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Egyptian star could be away from Anfield until mid-January should his nation reach the final.
Transfer Restrictions: If a return to Liverpool is negotiated, Elliott will be unable to join any other club for the remainder of the campaign. Under current regulations, he would be prevented from joining another club on loan during the current campaign because he has already turned out for two different teams.