National World Top Stories Update Friday 2 January, 2026
Harvey Elliott’s purgatory on loan at Aston Villa could finally be coming to an end - but he won’t be going back to Liverpool.
The 22-year-old joined Villa on a short-term deal that was expected to become permanent once he reached 10 appearances. But over the past few months, Elliott has been frozen out by Unai Emery and is not expected to feature again this season.
A move outside Europe, however, is apparently on the cards.
According to the Daily Mail, several clubs have been alerted to Elliott’s availability ahead of the winter window. What had looked like a wasted season may yet be salvaged for the England under-21 international, who was named player of the tournament at last summer’s Euros.
The report claims Charlotte FC have secured Elliott’s discovery rights, putting the MLS side in a strong position if he decides to move.
Former Villa manager Dean Smith is now Charlotte’s head coach, while general manager Zoran Krneta also has strong UK ties, which are believed to have helped their approach.
Speaking in December, Emery admitted Elliott’s situation needed to be resolved.
He said: “Hopefully we can get a solution for him to try to play consistently, to continue in his career with us or not.
“He is on loan here, but not definitely adding to us with a permanent contract.”
Charlotte are fully aware that Elliott would prefer to stay in the Premier League. But with the World Cup taking place in the USA this summer, the MLS side hopes the promise of regular football and a high-profile platform can sway him.
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