Harvey Elliott's loan spell at Aston Villa was overshadowed by a disagreement over loan conditions, with Liverpool refusing to remove the appearance-clause that limited the midfielder's playing time this season
John Townley Aston Villa correspondent and Jack Staplehurst Sports Content Editor
15:53, 15 May 2026
Harvey Elliott has barely played this season
Harvey Elliott has barely played this season(Image: Getty Images)
Unai Emery has insisted that Harvey Elliott's restricted game time this season stemmed from both Aston Villa and Liverpool protecting their own interests.
The 23-year-old has clocked up merely 110 minutes of Premier League action this campaign, predominantly because Emery determined early doors that he wouldn't be pursuing Elliott on a permanent transfer. Villa would have been required to hand over £35 million ($46.7 million) to bring Elliott from Liverpool permanently had he reached 10 Premier League outings.
Despite this, he has also experienced minimal opportunities in the Europa League. Come the January transfer window, Villa was keen to remove the stipulations attached to the arrangement and instead opt for a straightforward loan, which would have afforded Emery more flexibility in fielding Elliott.
READ MORE: Richard Hughes tipped for Liverpool exit at end of season to link up with former teammateREAD MORE: Virgil van Dijk issues blunt warning to Liverpool over replacing Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson
Liverpool, though, refused to alter the agreement's conditions. That position was motivated chiefly by Villa becoming a direct rival to Liverpool. As Liverpool's title pursuit started to wane at the year's turn, the team's focus shifted toward cementing a top-five position.
Elliott will now return to Liverpool this summer after a tumultuous period at Villa, although Emery has praised the midfielder's professionalism throughout the situation.
"I explained it at the beginning of the season, when we decided how we needed to manage his situation as a player, as a person as well," Emery said.
Elliott will return to Liverpool this summer
Elliott will return to Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)
"Of course, as a person, it is a difficult season for him because he is not playing matches. We got this responsibility when we signed him, but then Liverpool had their responsibility when we were speaking in December, January, in the transfer window.
"And of course, each club has their responsibility and has their decision. One thing is clear - I always spoke with him, being honest always, and of course, he's a fantastic guy, a fantastic guy.
"Hopefully, he can continue his career and get his best, because he's a fantastic guy. He deserved it. His attitude is fantastic every day, and the respect he has for me and for the teammates is really fantastic."
Emery remains without a Premier League win against Liverpool, having drawn four and lost six of his 10 meetings with the Reds.
Victory on this occasion would prove hugely significant, as it would confirm Champions League soccer for Villa. The team's attention would then turn to Wednesday's Europa League final against Freiburg.
Article continues below
"Yes, it is normal because they are a fantastic team. When we [Sevilla] beat them, then it was the first year with Klopp. They were favourites and we could beat them, which was something fantastic in that moment.
"Then how they progressed in the Premier League and how they are performing, being at the top level, it is very difficult to compete against them.
"It would be something not normal if we were beating them normally. They are beating us more than we are beating them. With the process we are in, it is not a surprise."