The situation soured further during the winter months. Villa reportedly attempted to renegotiate the terms with Liverpool, asking for the mandatory purchase clause to be removed or adjusted to allow Elliott to play without financial consequence. The Reds, however, held firm on the original agreement.
Emery addressed the situation on Thursday, telling reporters: "To now explain about the reason for this decision is very difficult, or it is easy, but it is not the moment. My apologies for Harvey Elliott, is every day in my mind. But it is [about] responsibility. We have our responsibility and Liverpool have their responsibility."