Image Credits: Imago Images
Harvey Elliott back on Merseyside this summer, with a point to prove and a new manager in Andoni Iraola who might just be the fresh start he needs.
After an ill‑fated loan at Aston Villa, the 23‑year‑old is back early and already putting in extra work ahead of pre‑season.
A costly obligation‑to‑buy clause was tied to him making 10 league appearances during his loan, and he finished with just nine, often left out of the squad entirely as his future became a political hot potato rather than a football decision.
He did at least taste Europa League action and ended the campaign with a winner’s medal, but for a player of his ambition the loan felt like a year in limbo more than a breakout.
Under Arne Slot, Elliott was simply not rated, and the Dutchman was very curt in press conferences when asked on the midfielder’s situation at Villa throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
But Iraola wants to see him up close in pre‑season before any decisions are made. For the player, it feels like a final audition.
And it looks like he is doing everything he can to ensure he impresses the Spanish coach.
He has already cut his holidays short to train in Liverpool, working with local coaches to sharpen up before the full squad reconvenes.
This week he has been spotted at PIF Liverpool, getting sessions in alongside goalkeeper coach Jamie Size as he ramps up his fitness:
“Our Goalkeeper Coach Jamie Size has been working with Harvey Elliott this week A great experience for Jamie to get a couple of sessions in the bank with a Premier League footballer,” a PIF Liverpool Instagram post was captioned.
All signs point to him being back at the AXA Training Centre from day one of Iraola’s first pre‑season, desperate to show he still has a future at Anfield. After a season that never really got going at Villa, the stage is set for Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool story to continue.