Need to know
Harvey Elliott's loan move to Aston Villa hasn't gone to plan at all, leaving many Liverpool fans wondering whether the club might recall him before the January transfer window closes
Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott has barely kicked a ball for Aston Villa this season(Image: 2025 Aston Villa FC)
Everything you need to know about Harvey Elliott's transfer situation
The Loan Agreement: Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Liverpool in the summer. The deal reportedly includes an obligation to buy clause, set at £35million, if he reaches 10 appearances.
Elliott's Struggles: The midfielder has spent the vast majority of the 2025/26 season on the bench, making just seven appearances for the Villains in four months. The lack of playing time has turned his stint in the West Midlands into a nightmare and has cast serious doubt on his future at Villa Park.
No Recall Clause: Liverpool do not have a mid-season recall clause in the agreement, meaning they cannot unilaterally bring Elliott back to Anfield today. This lack of a recall option was initially included because the deal was structured to become a permanent transfer, which now looks highly unlikely to be triggered.
Mutual Termination: For Elliott to return to Liverpool today, both clubs would need to agree to terminate the loan by mutual consent. However, reports suggest this is complicated because Villa would have to pay a significant severance or penalty fee to end the agreement early.
Liverpool's Stance: While Elliott was a regular under Jurgen Klopp, his opportunities were limited under Arne Slot last season. As a result, any return to Liverpool would likely need to be followed by another loan move, making an end-of-season reunion more realistic than a mid-season recall given the limited time available to arrange a second temporary switch.
The "Three-Club" Rule: FIFA regulations prevent a player from representing three different European clubs in a single season - and since Elliott played twice for Liverpool in August before joining Villa, his options are limited. He cannot be recalled and loaned out to another Premier League or European side, leaving him stuck in limbo.
Potential Escape Routes: A loan move to MLS or the Saudi Pro League would allow Elliott to play immediately. However, it is understood that the player would prefer to remain in England and fight for his place, either at Villa or back at Anfield.