Need to know
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has named Harvey Elliott on his bench for the first time since last November amid rumours of a breakthrough over the loan agreement with Liverpool
Harvey Elliott is back on the Aston Villa bench at Newcastle this Sunday after the Liverpool loanee was frozen out in recent months
Harvey Elliott is back on the Aston Villa bench at Newcastle this Sunday after the Liverpool loanee was frozen out in recent months(Image: Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Harvey Elliott, who has been named on the bench for Aston Villa against Newcastle United...
Breakthrough:Harvey Elliott has been named in Aston Villa’s matchday squad for the first time in over three months. This inclusion for the game against Newcastle offers the midfielder a potential lifeline after a long period on the sidelines.
Initial expectations: Elliott joined Villa on a season-long loan in September with the goal of securing regular Premier League football. Despite being a reliable squad player at Liverpool, he moved to Birmingham seeking a more prominent starting role.
Contractual complications: A specific clause in the transfer agreement reportedly dictates that Villa must buy Elliott for £35million if he reaches 10 appearances this season. Because of this high cost, manager Unai Emery previously admitted the club was hesitant to play him.
Frozen out: After making five early appearances, Elliott was essentially removed from the rotation to avoid triggering the permanent transfer fee. Before this weekend, his last Premier League outing was back in late September against Fulham.
Financial discrepancies: Reports suggest there was significant friction between Liverpool and Villa regarding the terms of this mandatory purchase. This financial 'deadlock' resulted in the player being stuck in limbo despite his professional behaviour in training.
Possible renegotiation?: Amid his sudden return to the bench, there are claims that the two clubs have successfully revised the terms of their loan agreement. While the specific new details are unknown, it implies the 10-game "trigger" may no longer be an obstacle. The Telegraph have also suggested Elliott's 10-game clause is split between five in the first half of the season, and five in the second half of the season, which we have now entered.
Injury crisis factor: Villa’s decision to bring Elliott back might also be a necessity caused by a lack of available players. With key midfielders like John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara injured, Emery has few other options for the Newcastle fixture.
Proven potential: Despite his recent struggles at Villa Park, Elliott remains a highly-regarded talent who was recently named Player of the Tournament at the U21 Euros. He previously enjoyed great success at Liverpool, including a Premier League title win under his belt.