Aston Villa willing to spend to move key first-team player
Aston Villa have entered discussions with Liverpool in an effort to reach a complicated agreement concerning Harvey Elliott’s future.
The 22-year-old midfielder has struggled during his time in the Midlands, with his season now uncertain due to contractual conditions and FIFA transfer rules. The loan move, initially intended to rejuvenate Elliott’s campaign, has reportedly become a frustrating period for the player.
According to The Athletic, Villa made a strategic choice early on to limit Elliott’s playing time. The club is hesitant to meet a 10-game threshold, which would automatically trigger a purchase obligation from Liverpool—a financial commitment Villa appears keen to avoid.
The loan deal adds another layer of complexity. Without a recall clause, Liverpool cannot unilaterally end the arrangement; technically, only Villa could do so. However, cutting the loan short would incur a fee, making a return to Liverpool far from simple. As a result, Villa officials are hoping to negotiate a new agreement with the Reds to allow Elliott to leave without significant financial penalties.
While manager Unai Emery has publicly attributed Elliott’s limited minutes to intense competition for the ‘No. 10’ role, sources suggest the player is frustrated by unmet promises regarding playing time. Despite this, staff have praised Elliott for maintaining professionalism and courtesy on the training ground throughout the ordeal.
Elliott’s options in January are limited
A return to Liverpool also presents challenges. Having already played for Liverpool this season before moving to Villa, Elliott cannot play for a third club under FIFA rules, effectively ruling out another loan within the Premier League or Europe this winter. A return to Anfield would likely see him on the fringes unless he moves to a league on a different schedule, such as MLS or the Saudi Pro League.
Both clubs must balance financial considerations with the player’s development, as Elliott is eager for regular opportunities to prove himself.
Limited opportunities under Arne Slot
Elliott’s move to Villa was driven by the need for regular football after a stalled 2024–25 season. While he was a key figure under Jurgen Klopp, game time became scarce under Arne Slot. Last season, he made 28 appearances across all competitions but only started six games, logging 822 minutes compared to over 2,700 the previous year.
Often used as an impact substitute—highlighted by his dramatic Champions League winner against PSG—Elliott faced stiff competition for a starting spot. The loan to Villa was intended to reignite his development ahead of the 2026 World Cup.