Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy this summer, but life hasn’t exactly panned out as planned for the Liverpool talent in the midlands
Liverpool could bring Harvey Elliott back to Anfield for much needed cover, after his loan stint with Aston Villa has not played out as planned. The 22-year-old made his way to Villa Park this summer on a season-long deal, with the Villains holding an obligation to make the move permanent based on appearances.
It is reported that should Elliott play for Villa 10 times this season, it will trigger a clause in his contract which will see the Englishman become a permanent fixture of the club for £35million. Despite high hopes for more consistent game time in the midlands, Elliott has turned out just seven times in total under Unai Emery this season.
As a result, Liverpool may be toying with the idea of bringing the attacking midfielder back – but there’s a complication in doing so. As his deal with Villa doesn’t have a recall clause, it means that all parties would have to mutually agree a return to Merseyside.
READ MORE: Liverpool have chance to repeat transfer trick despite brutal ‘cowards’ exit claimREAD MORE: Jeremie Frimpong makes ‘annoying’ admission as Arne Slot forced to take Liverpool risk
Despite failing to deploy him regularly, Emery may be reluctant to let Elliott leave prematurely, citing how stiff competition in the No 10 spot is the reason for him failing to see minutes. With that said, however, the player is said to be disappointed to not have been given ample opportune to prove himself with the Villains.
As a result, The Athletic report that Villa are hopeful of reaching a ‘new agreement’ with Liverpool which will work for all parties involved. It comes as the Reds are currently stretched in attack.
Cody Gakpo has been sidelined with a muscular problem since Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United earlier this month, while Alexander Isak recently underwent surgery on an ankle injury – including a fractured fibula – on December 22, after sustaining the issue against Tottenham Hotspur.
While Gakpo could feature against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, December 27, the outlook for Isak is far more bleak. Speaking about the Swede earlier this week, Arne Slot said: “It’s going to be a long injury. For a couple of months. That’s a big, big, big disappointment for him and as a result of that of course also for us.”
Elsewhere, Liverpool are currently without Mohamed Salah as a result of the forward participating in the Africa Cup Of Nations with his native Egypt, and could be away from Anfield until mid-January should his team make the final.
Bringing back Elliott could certainly be a short-term solution to Liverpool’s current state with regards to absentees, given the Surrey-born star can also play on the wing. And the Reds will know all too well that if he returns, he will not be able to make another loan move this season.
Given he has already represented Liverpool and Aston Villa this term, he will be unable to move on in the January window to join a third, unless it is to a team which does not follow the European calendar of football.
Up next for Villa is a trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to face Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, and it will be interesting to see if Elliott has a chance to make a mark, or whether Emery will instead opt to deploy a consistent Morgan Rogers.
For Liverpool, it’s a return to Anfield to take on Rob Edwards’ rock-bottom Wolves, who have failed to win a single game from their opening 17. With Isak out side-lined, Slot will likely opt to field Hugo Ekitike through the middle – given how impressive the Frenchman has been this season.
The 23-year-old has found the back of the net eight times from 16 appearances thus far, and has proven problematic against every opposition he has faced. However, concerns lie with regards to who will flank Ekitike this weekend.
With Salah ruled out of contention and Gakpo potentially missing the match through injury, Slot could be forced to utilise three attacking midfielders as opposed to one and two wingers. Against Spurs, the Dutchman opted to play Florian Wirtz on the left, Dominik Szoboszlai on the right, and Alexis Mac Allister in the pocket.
As a result of their efforts, Liverpool secured a narrow 2-1 win over a nine-man Lilywhites outfit, and it will be interesting to see if Slot sets up the same this weekend.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
