Harvey Elliott’s loan spell at Aston Villa has turned into a frustrating story for both the player and fans.
What was meant to be a fresh start has quickly become a nightmare, with the Liverpool youngster finding himself out of Unai Emery’s plans — and, apparently, out of patience too.
A move that hasn’t gone to plan
When Elliott left Liverpool on deadline day, the move to Villa looked like a smart step for his development.
The season-long loan included an obligation-to-buy clause worth around £35 million, triggered if he made 10 appearances. At 22, it seemed the perfect stage to prove himself in a new setup and return to the England radar ahead of the World Cup.
But after just five games and only 167 minutes of action, things have gone south. Elliott hasn’t played in the Premier League since September and has been left out of Villa’s last three matchday squads.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a player who averaged a goal or assist every 111 minutes in his final season under Jurgen Klopp.
Elliott reportedly feels “disappointed” with how things have gone, as the opportunity hasn’t matched what he was initially promised.
Liverpool, however, are not currently planning to recall him, with The Athletic confirming that no discussions have taken place between the clubs.
Elliott stuck between Liverpool & Villa
Here’s the tricky part — Liverpool can’t recall him, even if they wanted to. The deal has no recall clause, meaning any early termination would need to be agreed by both sides.
And with Villa’s form improving, Emery apparently has no reason to shake things up.
The Villa boss explained his reasoning in simple terms:
“He is training well, and he played some matches, but the performances weren’t what we needed. Some players are playing as a No. 10, and they are playing well, like Buendia and Rogers. Also Ross Barkley, after he was out. In the squad, we needed to take one player out, and I decided for (it to be) him. I am happy with him. He is training good. His commitment is fantastic and he is a good guy. (It is) Only a tactical decision.”
That may sound polite, but the message is clear — others are performing better right now. Buendia’s return from injury has added more competition, leaving Elliott struggling to get minutes in an already packed squad.
Harvey Elliott stats this season so far with Aston Villa
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 4 | 0 | 0 | 96 |
| Europa League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 | 67 |
| Total | 6 | 1 | 0 | 167 |
What’s next for Harvey Elliott?
With no recall option and a £35 million clause that activates after ten games, Elliott’s situation is delicate. He’s halfway to that mark but far from a regular starter.
Villa may think twice before triggering a permanent deal, especially when Emery never saw him as a first-choice signing.
Interestingly, reports suggest Elliott was only signed after Villa missed out on Lucas Paqueta and Marco Asensio. It’s no wonder the youngster feels caught in the middle — stuck in a system that doesn’t suit him and a deal that doesn’t favor anyone right now.
Still, football has a funny way of turning things around. A few injuries or a change in tactics could yet see Elliott earn a second chance before the season ends. For now, though, it’s a waiting game — and one that’s testing both patience and potential.