Harvey Elliott has made just three league appearances for Aston Villa since leaving Liverpool in the summer
Harvey Elliott has faced a difficult loan spell away from Liverpool.
Harvey Elliott has faced a difficult loan spell away from Liverpool.(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott's frustrations are set to continue.
Elliott, 22, has endured a difficult loan spell at Villa Park after making the cross-Premier League switch in the summer. The playmaker joined Villa in search of first-team minutes and of an opportunity to cement a starting berth in England's top-flight.
However, he has managed just three league appearances so far this term and a further two outings in cup competitions for Villa. Elliott made a rare appearance on the bench for their 2-0 win at Newcastle United on Sunday but remained an unused substitute.
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The lack of showings during his temporary spell has prompted calls for the attacker to be recalled and rejoin the Liverpool ranks. With the transfer window set to close on Monday, it appears that there is no boost in sight for Elliott as Emery confirms that his chances for first-team football remain slim.
He said: “There are still five days to finish the window. Everything we accepted before, only some injuries can change it, like Douglas Luiz is a player joining us because we had injuries in centre midfield.
"With Harvey, it’s not changing. Our idea is that we spoke to him clearly. He’s a fantastic guy.
“On Sunday, he was on the bench, and if we needed some help from him, he was ready to do it. He is in the squad tomorrow. But the situation is not changing for him that he has now."
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It has been reported that Villa are baulking at the prospect of paying the obligatory fee to sign Elliott from Liverpool on a permanent basis.
According to reports, the 22-year-old needs to pay five more matches to see the clause triggered. So far this month, Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC expressed an interest but any developments have yet to be forthcoming.
However, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Elliott has to consider his options over a possible exit in order to kickstart his development.
He told Murphy told BestBettingSites.co.uk: "Yes, I do think Harvey Elliott should really consider his options, even the MLS.
"Harvey Elliott is a super talent. He’s got a great attitude and we’ll definitely see him playing in the Premier League and succeeding.
"It obviously hasn’t worked at Villa, and sometimes that happens. A manager doesn’t see you the same way you see yourself, or doesn’t see you in the roles you feel suit you.
"If he only sees him as a number 10 , which seems to be the case, then you’re competing with Morgan Rogers, a resurgent [Emi] Buendía, and there are financial considerations when you’re bringing him on as a substitute.
"It’s not ideal, but these things happen and you put it down to experience."