Harvey Elliott’s loan move from Liverpool to Aston Villa has not worked out how anyone had anticipated this season.
There was disappointment on transfer deadline day in September when the boyhood Red was allowed to leave on loan with an obligation to buy.
The clause which would trigger the permanent transfer – making 10 appearances for Villa – had felt like a formality at the time. However, halfway through the season, it is now clear that Unai Emery is actively avoiding that outcome.
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What is the best outcome for Harvey Elliott this January?
Villa don't want him, but he can't play for another European side other than Liverpool…
Harvey Elliott celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their pre-season friendly match against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
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For Elliott, this has left him in limbo. Having already played for Liverpool and Villa this term, he cannot play for another European side in 2025/26.
Surprisingly, the Daily Mail reported on Thursday that American side Charlotte FC are prepared to give Elliott a solution and bring him to MLS. Taking up the story on Friday, journalist Fabrizio Romano shared the most likely outcome.
Harvey Elliott set to return to Liverpool before deciding future
With the Liverpool squad decidedly light at the moment, especially in attacking areas, it makes complete sense to bring Elliott back to Anfield this January.
Despite Arne Slot’s reluctance to play him, the 22-year-old can certainly offer something and could be utilised in a number of different roles.
Harvey Elliott of Liverpool during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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As per Romano’s update, however, it seems that Liverpool truly are not bothered whether Elliott stays or not.
According to the transfer expert, he is ‘likely’ to return to Anfield, but it will then be up to the player himself whether he accepts the offer of an American adventure.
“Charlotte FC are prepared to offer Harvey Elliott the chance to play on loan in MLS until June,” says Romano. “Elliott, likely to return to Liverpool after being unused at Aston Villa on loan. Decision up to the player.”
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Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge pictured during the UEFA Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon de Portugal at Jose Alvalade Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey
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Elliott should stay put and prove a point to Arne Slot
It is such a shame to see how things have worked out for Elliott this season. He is a hugely talented young player who deserves game time.
While he may never have quite been at the standard needed to be a regular starter for Liverpool, he is more than good enough to be a key player for numerous other Premier League and European sides.
He is in a somewhat unenviable position for a footballer here. Does he stay at Liverpool where he clearly isn’t wanted and may be completely frozen out again, or does he head away to a lesser league in order to simply play.
In the opinion of Rousing The Kop, Elliott should dig his heels in and stay put at Liverpool. Such is Slot’s lack of options, he would have to turn to the former Fulham prospect eventually.
From there, maybe there is a way back at Anfield after all. The way things are going, maybe he’ll simply have to impress a new manager next summer.
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