Harvey Elliott has returned to Liverpool after a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa.
Harvey Elliott has returned to Liverpool after a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa, where he made just nine appearances across all competitions and failed to trigger the conditions required for a permanent transfer.
The midfielder is determined to prove himself to new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, who has addressed the uncertainty surrounding Elliott’s future at Anfield.
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“Definitely! Harvey is here with us,” Iraola said. “I have seen him with the eagerness to show up, get super ready, he’ll have a chance in pre-season, we’ll need him and it’s a good sign.
“I hope we can see him in a good place. I think Harvey comes from last season had to be difficult for him, strange situation, they couldn’t even play him and I think he uses this experience – the bad situation – to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player.”
Elliott was a regular member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad during the final years of the German’s reign, but his opportunities became limited following Arne Slot’s arrival in the summer of 2024.
He joined Aston Villa on loan in September 2025, with the deal including a £35million obligation to buy if he reached 10 Premier League appearances. However, he featured only nine times for the Midlands club, meaning the clause was not activated.
Several clubs are monitoring Elliott’s situation ahead of a potential permanent move. Leeds United are among those credited with interest, while Crystal Palace and newly promoted Coventry City are also reportedly considering a move.
According to the Sunderland Echo, Harvey Elliott has emerged as a potential target for Sunderland as Liverpool prepare to assess the midfielder during pre-season.
Elliott’s future remains uncertain, with new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola set to decide whether he has a role to play at Anfield.
A strong pre-season could give the 23-year-old a chance to revive his Liverpool career after a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa.
However, there is expected to be competition if Liverpool decide to sell. Sunderland can offer Europa League football and a key role, but they would need to convince Elliott that Wearside is the right place for the next step in his career.
Elliott has already racked up 205 senior appearances, including 149 for Liverpool, and has won the Premier League and two League Cups while also featuring in the Champions League and Europa League.
Harvey Elliott
Sunderland