“That Could Be It” – Liverpool Loanee Could Have Already Featured in His Final Match for Current Club

A Liverpool loanee is facing an uncertain spell as he continues to struggle for minutes at his temporary club.

Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan at the end of the summer transfer window, with the deal including a clause to make the move permanent after 10 appearances (The Athletic). However, the 22-year-old has made just five appearances for Unai Emery’s side, last featuring as a substitute in their win over Feyenoord in early October. Since leaving Anfield, he has only clocked up 167 minutes of action (Transfermarkt).

Still officially a Liverpool player, Elliott was left out of the squad entirely for Villa’s 4-0 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday. Former Aston Villa chief scout Mick Brown has urged the club to make a quick decision on the England U21 international.

“Aston Villa have to decide what to do with Harvey Elliott,” Brown told Football Insider. “If he reaches 10 games, they must sign him permanently, so they need to consider whether that’s worthwhile. If the answer is no, then he’s unlikely to hit that mark. He’s fit and training, yet not selected, so there’s clearly a reason.

“He may have already played his last game for Villa, which would be disappointing because he’s a talented player who was highly regarded. But if he’s not fitting in or earning the manager’s trust, then perhaps that’s the end of it.”

Elliott’s situation currently benefits no one. Liverpool can’t call on him, Villa aren’t using him, and the player himself is left in limbo. Despite reportedly impressing the coaching staff and showing promise in his early outings, his limited involvement under Emery has stalled his progress.

If the Spanish manager has no plans to give him more game-time, Liverpool should consider recalling him in January. While he wasn’t heavily used by Arne Slot last season, it would still make more sense for him to be available at Anfield than sitting unused in Birmingham.

Emery publicly criticised Elliott’s decision-making after a draw with Sunderland in September, and it’s easy to see why some might think the two aren’t on the same page.

If the Villa boss has no intention of playing him again, it would be best for both clubs to cut the loan short — as the current situation helps no one.