While Aston Villa have made it clear they have no intention of signing Harvey Elliott for £35 million, the terms of their loan mean he can still play this season.
Elliott has spent much of the campaign frozen out of Unai Emery’s Villa squad as the head coach quickly decided not to play him enough to trigger a buy clause in his loan.
When Liverpool agreed to send the young midfielder to Villa Park for the season, it was widely reported that the move would become permanent for £35 million if he made 10 or more appearances.
But the Birmingham Mail‘s John Townley now reveals that this is only based on Premier League appearances and does not apply to the Europa League.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 1, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Harvey Elliott on the bench before the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. Liverpool won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
That means Elliott can play freely for Villa in the knockout stages of the Europa League, which will begin with a last-16 clash against one of PAOK, Celta Vigo, Lille or Red Star Belgrade.
Harvey Elliott: 2025/26 Appearance Tracker
Competition Appearances Trigger Counted?
Premier League 4 YES (6 to go)
Europa League 2 NO
FA Cup 1 NO
League Cup 0 NO
Total Apps 7 —
* Note: The £35m mandatory purchase clause is only triggered by Premier League appearances. Harvey Elliott is currently sidelined with a fresh injury and is expected to miss approximately two weeks.
Having made four appearances in the Premier League so far this season, too, in theory he could be used five more times without impacting his future.
The 22-year-old is, however, currently injured with the issue expected to keep him out for around two weeks.
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool's Harvey Elliott on the pitch before the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“He is injured now. He is not available because of injury,” Emery told reporters on Friday.
“I was so clear one month ago. I think we must carry on, and of course help him as much as we can. Then, try to make him feel comfortable here.
“He is going to be available more or less to play in Europe. We are now in February, trying to focus on the Premier League, trying to focus on Europe.”
Did Liverpool agree new loan terms for Harvey Elliott?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Harvey Elliott celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
No. It is maintained that this development is not the result of renegotiations around Liverpool’s deal with Villa, and the buy clause has always been Premier League specific.
That does, however, call into question why Elliott only made a single, four-minute appearance in the Europa League prior to his surprise start against Red Bull Salzburg in the final game of the league phase on January 30.
Nevertheless that is the situation and both Liverpool and their loanee can hope he features at least sporadically between now and the end of the season before analysing their options.
The likelihood is that Liverpool will think twice about conducting similar deals with Villa in the future, having considered Elliott all but sold when they struck terms in September to avoid PSR issues for the Midlands club.