Aston Villa is repeating its Harvey Elliott transfer strategy after the Liverpool loanee failed to make a major impact during his spell with Unai Emery's side last season
Aston Villa has used the same Harvey Elliott transfer strategy to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aston Villa has used the same Harvey Elliott transfer strategy to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa has repeated the transfer strategy used to bring Harvey Elliott to the club, despite the Liverpool midfielder’s loan spell failing to deliver the expected impact.
Villa has completed the signing of West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka on a season-long loan deal that includes a “conditional obligation to buy.” The terms of the clause have not been disclosed, although West Ham had previously been seeking a $34 million (£25 million) fee for the DR Congo international.
Villa used a similar structure to sign Elliott on loan last season, with a $47 million (£35 million) obligation to buy included in his deal. However, the transfer was dependent on Elliott making 10 Premier League appearances, and after featuring in just four league games, he returned to Anfield this summer.
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Villa attempted to renegotiate the agreement with Liverpool during the January transfer window in an effort to remove the clause. However, Liverpool rejected the proposal, prompting head coach Unai Emery to describe the situation as “embarrassing” for everyone involved.
Speaking ahead of Villa's final home game against the Reds last season, Emery said: "To now explain about the reason for this decision is very difficult, or it is easy, but it is not the moment. Of course, it is something embarrassing for everyone involved.
"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. It is something, as a human and as a person, how the season has gone has been difficult."
Elliott has since opened up about his difficult loan spell at Villa, insisting he holds no grudge against the club despite the way his time there unfolded.
Speaking to reporters after Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Wrexham at Yankee Stadium in New York, Elliott said he is determined to put a frustrating year of limited playing time behind him.
Asked whether he believed his Liverpool career had come to an end when he departed on transfer deadline day in 2025, Elliott said: "Truthfully, yes. Because I wanted a new challenge. I wanted to kind of go and explore something, come out of my comfort zone, that I thought personally that 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 new coaching staff coming in. It's another chance to impress, and hopefully get in their (good) books.
"But whatever happened last season, I wish Villa nothing but the very best, had a lot of love for them, and they treated me very, very well.
"Unfortunately, the situation happened, but 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, and I'm trying to cement my spot in the team or within the squad.
"Mentally, it was a very tough one. As I said, it was a learning curve. It was an opportunity for me to experience something new, as much as I didn't want to do it, and I don't wish it upon any other player, because it's not nice at all, but I have no hard feelings.
"I wish them all the very best. Well, I did greatly have a lot of love for them. They treated me as one of their own, as it were, and for that I respect them highly.
"But it was tough, mentally and physically, but I'm on the other side of it now. I was able to get through it, and achieve something at the end of the season as well (with Villa winning the Europa League). That was another historical moment for the club, and to be part of that was another great situation. But my focus is on this season, at Liverpool, and I just need to see what happens."