Liverpool’s stance on how Harvey Elliott has been handled at Aston Villa since his loan move

Liverpool’s reported view on Harvey Elliott’s loan spell at Aston Villa has now come to light.

The midfielder joined Villa on deadline day in a season-long deal, which includes an obligation to buy next summer if he makes at least 10 appearances. However, that clause looks uncertain, with Elliott featuring only five times so far.

The 22-year-old has not played in any of Villa’s last six matches in all competitions, being left out of several matchday squads entirely. Unai Emery has described the decision to omit him as “tactical,” explaining that other players such as Buendia, Rogers, and Barkley are currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

According to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, Liverpool are said to be concerned about how the situation is unfolding. Brown suggested that the Reds had expected Elliott’s permanent move to be straightforward, but doubts have now emerged due to his limited game time and uncertain role in Villa’s system.

He added that Elliott’s playing style — not being an out-and-out winger or central midfielder — makes it hard to fit him into Emery’s setup, and questioned whether Villa was the right club for his development.

Elliott was again an unused substitute in Villa’s 2-0 Europa League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv, extending his run without playing to six games.