Image Credits: Imago Images
Harvey Elliott’s loan spell at Aston Villa remains a hot topic this January transfer window. The 22-year-old has endured a deeply frustrating season, registering only five appearances in all competitions, with his last minutes on the pitch coming back in September.
Unai Emery has been clear about the club’s stance, admitting that Villa decided “two months ago” they were “not convinced” about making the move permanent – a deal that would have set them back around £35 million once Elliott reached 10 appearances.
It has left the midfielder stuck in a complex contractual bind. FIFA regulations prevent a player from turning out for three different clubs in a single season, and with Elliott having already played once for Liverpool before heading to Villa, his room to manoeuvre is now extremely limited. On top of that, the Premier League’s loan rules further complicate any potential switch, making a January escape route far from straightforward for the sidelined Liverpool prospect.
As a result, the idea of a loan move to the MLS has been floated about, with Charlotte FC in particular keen on the stranded Reds star.
Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith has told Sky Sports News that the club are interested in Elliott. The MLS transfer window runs from January 26 to March 26.
Smith said: “I put the feelers out, obviously, when I was over there. I was thinking about it and thought, there is an opportunity here. If he is not going to play at Villa and he can’t play anywhere else, then it would be an option for him to come and play some games up until the World Cup break.
“If he is not playing between now and the World Cup, it is a shame. There is an opportunity for him to come out and play here if that is what Liverpool or Villa wanted to do.”
However, according to Elliott himself, a move to the MLS won’t be forthcoming. Tiktok user @declanbsafc4 snapped a video of Elliott signing autographs over the weekend and asked him directly whether he will be move going to Charlotte FC. Elliott gave a straight “no” answer:
@declanbsafc4 #fyp #viral #harveyelliot #liverpool #repost ♬ original sound – declan 🇬🇧
Arne Slot has made clear he won’t recall Elliott from Villa unless the Midlands club initiates the termination.
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