Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that the club will not exercise their option to sign loanee Harvey Elliott from Liverpool on a permanent contract.
The 22-year-old midfielder arrived at Villa Park on deadline day, struggled for a few minutes, but now faces an uncertain future as he prepares to return to Merseyside.
Manager Unai Emery confirms Aston Villa will not sign Harvey Elliott
Ahead of Aston Villa’s Europa League game against FC Basel, Emery spoke frankly about the current situation, making a long-term stay for the former Fulham prodigy virtually impossible.
The loan deal reportedly included a buyout obligation of £35 million, with Elliott making 10 appearances for the club.
He’s unlikely to meet that criteria, as he only has five games to his name and hasn’t appeared since October.
Emery said: “We are talking to him and we hope that we can find a solution so that he can try to play consistently, whether he continues his career with us or not.”
“He’s on loan here, but he’s certainly not joining us on a permanent contract.”
Elliott’s time in the Midlands was marred by tactical inconsistencies and intense competition, with the midfielder unable to replace Villa’s established players.
His last appearance was more than two months ago, and he was often left out of the squad on match days.
What’s next for Harvey Elliott?
Harvey Elliott is set to return to Liverpool next month. The midfielder was allowed to leave Anfield in the summer after falling down the pecking order under Arne Slott.
If Slott remains in charge, Elliott is likely to be released again, either on loan to a lower Premier League club or overseas club, or on a permanent transfer.
However, given Liverpool’s current situation and the increasing pressure on the slot, Elliott, described as “world class” by Glen Johnson, could be handed a lifeline to prove his worth at his boyhood club if there is a change of manager at Liverpool.
