“That could be the end of it” – Liverpool loanee might have already featured in his final match for his current team.
One Liverpool player currently out on loan is now facing a rather uncertain situation due to his ongoing lack of game time at his temporary club.
Harvey Elliott, who joined Aston Villa on loan at the end of the summer transfer window, was expected to make the move permanent once he reached 10 appearances for the Midlands side (The Athletic). However, the 22-year-old has managed just five outings so far, with his last coming in early October when he appeared as a substitute against Feyenoord. Since then, he’s accumulated only 167 minutes of football (Transfermarkt).
Aston Villa urged to act on Elliott’s situation
Although he technically remains a Liverpool player, Elliott wasn’t even included in the matchday squad for Villa’s 4–0 victory over Bournemouth at the weekend. Former Aston Villa chief scout Mick Brown has now suggested that the club must make a clear decision about the player’s future.
Brown told Football Insider:
> “Aston Villa have got to make a decision about Harvey Elliott. If he plays 10 games, they’re obligated to sign him permanently—whatever the cost. So they need to ask themselves if they’re better off doing that.
“If the answer is no, then it’s unlikely he’ll reach 10 games. If he’s fit and training but still not selected, there’s obviously a reason. In that case, it’s possible he’s already played his last game for Aston Villa. It’s a shame because he’s talented and had high expectations, but if it’s not working, that might be that.”
A loan spell helping no one
Despite initial optimism about Elliott’s impact at Villa Park—both in training and in his early performances—his current situation serves no purpose for anyone involved. Liverpool can’t benefit from him, Villa aren’t using him, and the player himself is being left on the sidelines with little opportunity to progress.
Given his talent, Elliott deserves more than to sit idle. If Unai Emery no longer sees him as part of his plans, Liverpool may need to recall him and reassess their options. While his chances under Arne Slot might not be guaranteed either, it would at least ensure he’s available to contribute rather than wasting away unused in Birmingham.
Emery’s public criticism of Elliott’s decision-making in September’s draw with Sunderland hinted at a strained relationship, and his continued omission suggests that the situation may not be improving. Unless the Spaniard intends to reintegrate the young midfielder soon, it might be best for all parties if Liverpool and Aston Villa agree to end the loan prematurely—because, as things stand, no one is benefitting.
