Harvey Elliott is a two-time Premier League winner and was flying high for Liverpool last season
Harvey Elliott’s drop from a rising star at Liverpool to being axed from the squad at Aston Villa is a surprise. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder joined Villa on loan in the summer but has made limited appearances.
The two-time Premier League winner featured 28 times for the Reds last season, scoring five goals and assisting three times. Since joining from Fulham’s under-18 squad in 2019, the young star looked to be on an upward trajectory at Anfield.
Elliott has made 149 appearances for Liverpool altogether and recently lifted the Premier League trophy as part of Arne Slot’s title-winning squad. However, he joined Unai Emery’s side in the summer on a temporary basis and seems to have fallen off a cliff in the pecking order.
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Here, the ECHO details the latest in Elliott’s career and where he could be headed next.
‘Silly’ decision
Elliott had a successful summer away from Liverpool as England defeated Germany 3-2 to win the European Under-21 Championship. The 22-year-old was instrumental in getting the Three Lions to the final with four goals in the knockout rounds to ensure they lifted the trophy.
During the semi-final against the Netherlands, Elliott made an error as he celebrated the first of two goals in the game. After taking the lead, the attacker attempted a knee slide on the Tehelne Pole stadium turf in Slovakia and ended up getting stuck.
The Dutch equalised 10 minutes later through Noah Ohio before Elliott hit the winner in the 86th minute to secure England’s path to the final. Speaking post-match, the young star admitted he made a mistake with his celebration during the game.
He told Channel 4: “I don’t know what I’ve done to my knee, but it’s hurting. So hopefully it’s nothing too silly. It’s a silly decision from me, to be honest, but it’s just one of them, live in the moment.
“You do these things, but I forgot the pitch was ridiculously dry and it is the price I have to pay.”
Thankfully the Liverpool star recovered in time to help lead England to the win against Germany to add more silverware to his trophy cabinet.
Recall options for Reds
In short, Liverpool have two options when it comes to Elliott. They’ll have to cancel the loan deal at Villa and reintegrate him back into the current squad. Or leave him in Villa’s reserves.
The 22-year-old’s loan move included an obligatory purchase clause of £35million if he hit 10 appearances. However, he has not made the bench for Villa since October and Emery isn’t considering keeping Elliott permanently.
A report from BBC Sport earlier this month confirmed there is no recall clause between Villa and Liverpool for the young star. However, both clubs could strike an agreement to terminate the loan early.
FIFA regulations state that a player can only play for two clubs in a single season. They can be registered for three clubs but can only play for two. Elliott made two appearances for Liverpool this term before joining Villa, therefore his options are limited.
Unai Emery’s thoughts
Former Villa chief Keith Wyness reckons Emery doesn’t rate Elliott enough to place him in the team. The midfielder has played just 96 minutes of Premier League football since his arrival in Birmingham.
Speaking to Football InsiderWyness admits he is shocked the Villa boss hasn’t utilised Elliott as much but believes he is being kept out by current stars shining in the midfield.
He said: “I think that’s what’s pointing to him coming back to Liverpool in some way. It’s a very difficult situation for the boy, very difficult. And I know that if he does come back, he probably would be benched and probably not be getting the game time.
“I think there’s a real player in there, a real talent. I’ve always rated Harvey Elliott. I’m surprised that, you know, Emery hasn’t been able to integrate him into the squad.
“But then again, you know, players like Morgan Rogers in midfield as well, Youri Tielemans, et cetera. It’s been difficult to find a spot for him.
“But I do think particularly at clubs that may be coming up from next season. I think he’d be a great acquisition.”
