Harvey Elliott played his first Aston Villa match in nearly three months in Europa League win over Red Bull Salzburg, but Unai Emery says the situation for the Liverpool loanee hasn't changed
Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa applauds the fans after the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Aston Villa FC and FC Salzburg
Harvey Elliott made a rare appearance for Aston Villa in midweek(Image: (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images))
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Harvey Elliott featured for Aston Villa for the first time in almost three months on Thursday, but manager Unai Emery maintains his "situation doesn't change", with the club having no plans to sign him on a permanent basis.
The Liverpool attacking midfielder headed to Villa Park on loan on deadline day following a summer of speculation about his future after an outstanding Under-21s Euros campaign with England, where he claimed the tournament's best player award.
However, Elliott hasn't fitted into Emery's plans and the former Fulham academy graduate has struggled for game time. He was given a rare opportunity in the Europa League midweek, featuring in the dramatic victory against Red Bull Salzburg.
The Villa manager was pleased with his loanee's contribution, though a contractual clause requiring a permanent signing after ten appearances means he has no plans to use him regularly.
Emery stated: "It is not changing. Not changing, I told you yesterday it is not changing his situation. Today, he played and very fantastic how he helped us, but it's not changing our idea with him."
Villa would be compelled to purchase Elliott for £35million should he feature regularly, which appears to be the reason behind Emery's decision to keep him out of the starting line-up.
Emery has made it clear he doesn't want him on a permanent deal - a stance he established several months ago when questioned about the matter.
"The problem we have with Harvey is that this year he is on loan, and in case he plays matches we must buy him," he explained. "We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we would need to sign him.
"This is the only issue. He is training every day, always every day with very good behaviour and to help us in training sessions.
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"This is not something good for him and good for us, but this is football and sometimes we must take some decisions which are not good for everyone."
It means the Liverpool loanee is set for yet more limbo, unless a solution can be found in the coming days, which is looking unlikely at this stage.
Elliott has played for both Villa and Liverpool this season, meaning he cannot register and play for another club, unless they have a different season registration period.
Former Villa manager Dean Smith has suggested a move to Charlotte in the MLS could be forthcoming, but such a switch seems unlikely.