Harvey Elliott admits his future at Liverpool is still uncertain, but is ready to embrace a “second chance” under Andoni Iraola after a failed loan at Aston Villa.
Frozen out under Unai Emery at Villa, Elliott has returned to Liverpool with a renewed focus on securing his future as part of Iraola’s squad.
The 23-year-old was among those to report back for pre-season early, working as part of the U21s for a week before joining the first team at the AXA Training Centre.
He is now hoping that he can make an impression on Iraola and earn a long-term future, having admitted his mind was made up last summer.
“I’m here now, I’m trying to cement my spot in the team”
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Harvey Elliott during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Truthfully, yeah. I wanted a new challenge, I wanted to go an explore something, come out of my comfort zone,” Elliott told reporters in New York.
“I thought personally it would take me on as a player again.
“Unfortunately it didn’t work out, but the way I see it is that’s last season. Now I’m here, it’s kind of a second chance if you want to call it.
“Especially with the gaffer and a new coaching staff coming in, it’s another chance to impress and hopefully get in their [good] books.
“Whatever happened last season, I wish Villa nothing but the very best. I had a lot of love for them, they treated me very, very well and unfortunately the situation happened.
“It’s another learning curve, it’s a situation that I can take on in my career and just keep looking forward.
“I’m here now, I’m trying to cement my spot in the team or within the squad.”
While Elliott dismissed suggestions it was a “lost year” for him at Villa, the versatile midfielder conceded that it had been “tough, mentally and physically” and left him playing catch-up ahead of the new season.
Iraola has been open about the prospect of Elliott remaining as part of his squad, though the head coach is yet to hold any conversations over his future.
Harvey Elliott yet to discuss future with Andoni Iraola
NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool players line-up for a team group photograph before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Right now I’m just thinking about making sure I’m physically and mentally 100 percent, trying to impress on the pitch,” Elliott continued.
“I think when it comes to the right time to ask him, that’s when I’ll ask.
“But ultimately it’s just down to me, as long as I’m putting the effort, hard work and the desire in on the pitch, I feel like I have the opportunity to go in and ask.
“As I said, at this moment in time I’m not sure, I’m just making sure I play on the pitch and give it my all.”
NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool's Harvey Elliott arrives at the Langham Hotel in New York ahead of the club's second match of their pre-season USA Tour, against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Any decision regarding Elliott could be influenced by his contract, with there an uncertainty over whether he has entered the final year of his deal and if Liverpool have an option to extend that to 2028.
But the Englishman understands he must be “more cautious” when it comes to his next steps and that the opportunity to represent his boyhood club cannot be easily passed up.
“Ultimately, I’m still wanting to be selfish, doing what’s right for me,” he explained.
“Whether that’s staying here and fighting for my place or potentially going elsewhere, I’m still unsure at the moment, until I get some more intel.
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's players line-up for a team group photograph before a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. Back row (L-R): goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, James McConnell, Will Wright, Mor Talla Ndiaye, captain Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones. Front row (L-R) Harvey Elliott, Jeremie Frimpong, Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha, Kostas Tsimikas. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“But I’m really happy to be back, from the first day I walked through the door at the AXA I’ve had a big, beaming smile on my face.
“Putting the shirt on, I don’t want to take these moments for granted.
“Last season I thought it was the last opportunity to do it but I’m back here now and I’m wearing the strip again, putting the shirt on and I just want to be free, just play as much as I can and just enjoy it.
“Sometimes I don’t feel like I do it enough, and playing at Liverpool, there’s no better feeling.”