Liverpool 0-0 Leeds: Match Review
This Liverpool star must make a crucial decision to save his season
Liverpool ace Harvey Elliott could be looking at a surprising yet perfect opportunity to turn his season around, should his current loan deal with Aston Villa be terminated.
Elliott’s season has unfolded into a nightmare as he remains stuck in limbo with Villa, with extremely limited options for game time ahead of him. He was loaned out to Unai Emery’s side during the summer but the Spanish manager no longer has a place for Elliott in his plans for this season.
The 22-year-old signed for Villa with hopes of securing a regular position in the team and catching the eye of Thomas Tuchel ahead of this year’s World Cup. But since his arrival in the West Midlands, Elliott has played just 167 minutes of football in all competitions.
He has since been dropped from the Villa first team completely and hasn’t made an appearance since a four-minute cameo against Feyenoord in the Europa League.
Will Harvey Elliott return to Liverpool early?
Liverpool did not include a recall option for Elliott in their deal with Aston Villa, meaning the only way he can return to Anfield is if the Villans decide to pay a fixed price to terminate his contract early.
The Athletic has reported that Emery ‘does not believe Elliott fits his system’, which is why he has been frozen out for three months. If the club opt to just keep him on the side-lines, he must wait until the summer when his deal naturally ends to return to Merseyside.
If Villa do choose to terminate his deal, Elliott will not be able to pursue a move to another European club, having already represented Liverpool and Aston Villa this term. This seriously limits his options for the remainder of the season but he has been handed a significant lifeline from the USA.
MLS side could grant Harvey Elliott a huge lifeline
Elliott may not be able to play for another club in Europe this season but he can move to a league that operates under a different calendar, like the MLS.
According to Mail Sport, North Carolina outfit Charlotte FC are willing to offer Elliott ‘an escape route’ from his nightmare scenario. His current situation has alerted MLS clubs, which could be his only chance of resurrecting his season.
Despite being a hard-working and reliable player at Liverpool, Elliott is not favoured by Arne Slot. The fact he did not have a recall option in his loan deal speaks volumes. Unfortunately for him, it seems his long-term future lies away from Anfield and it’s best he starts looking for his next move sooner rather than later.
Due to his limited game time this season, Elliott is at risk of falling off the radar. If he is guaranteed a starting role in the MLS, it could completely turn his season around.
Given his success with England U21 at the 2025 Euros, it’s likely Three Lions manager Tuchel will already be aware of Elliott’s talent. The 22-year-old was crucial in the team’s title win and was named the Player of the Tournament for his efforts.
Elliott needs a strong second half to his season to shift back into the German’s periphery ahead of this year’s World Cup. If he doesn’t pursue this move, he will either continue to fade into the background at Villa, or receive little to no chances at Liverpool. It’s a big move but it appears to be his only option, and he must take it.
Continue Reading