Liverpool’s stance on Harvey Elliott’s loan spell at Aston Villa has come under fresh scrutiny after fans noticed his online activity during the Reds’ 2–0 win over Villa at Anfield on Saturday night.
Elliott, who completed a deadline-day loan move to Villa with a conditional £35m obligation to buy, was ineligible to feature due to Premier League rules preventing loan players from playing against their parent club. Instead, the 22-year-old tuned in from home and posted an Instagram story of himself watching the match, alongside two heart emojis.
That simple gesture sparked a wave of humorous and emotional reactions from Liverpool fans on social media. One supporter wrote: “Heart emojis when we’re attacking? Recall him immediately.” Another joked: “I’m convinced he celebrated Salah’s goal – I just can’t prove it.” A third fan added: “He’s 10000% cheering for us.” Others pleaded for his return, with one comment reading: “End the loan and bring him back to Anfield.”
Elliott’s Loan Situation Causes Concern
The loan deal, expected to lead to a permanent move next summer, will reportedly only be triggered if Elliott makes 10 appearances for Villa. What seemed like a straightforward target is now at risk, as he has made just five appearances so far—totalling 167 minutes and one goal.
Before Villa’s Europa League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, Elliott had gone five straight matches without featuring. He was an unused substitute in three games and left out of the squad completely for the 1–0 victory over Manchester City. He remained on the bench again on Thursday, with Unai Emery using all five substitutions before the 75th minute.
Speaking on his decision to drop Elliott, Emery said:
> “We had to leave one player out and I chose him. I’m happy with him – he trains well, his attitude is fantastic, and he’s a great lad. It was purely tactical. He just needs time. We signed him because I believe in his quality, but others in his position are performing strongly.”
Former Scout Suggests Liverpool Are Worried
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes this development will alarm Liverpool. He claims the Reds expected Elliott to play regularly and complete a smooth transition into a permanent move.
> “Liverpool would have expected this loan to become permanent, but that’s now in doubt. If the manager isn’t happy with his performances or training, that’s a big concern for Villa, the player, and Liverpool,” Brown told Football Insider.
He added that Elliott’s hybrid role makes him difficult to fit into Villa’s tactical setup.
> “He’s not a natural winger or an out-and-out midfielder. Villa might not have been the right club for him.”
From fans calling for his return to doubts over whether the £35m deal will be triggered, Elliott’s future has taken an unexpected twist. With minutes hard to come by at Villa Park, and Liverpool supporters still showing him affection, the coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether he stays at Villa—or finds his way back to Anfield.
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