Unai Emery has made Aston Villa’s position clear regarding a move for the “world-class” Liverpool star
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has made it clear that the club will not take up the option to sign Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott on a permanent deal.
The 22-year-old, who joined Villa Park on deadline day, has struggled for game time and now looks set for an uncertain return to Merseyside.
Unai Emery rules out permanent move for Harvey Elliott
Speaking before Villa’s Europa League meeting with FC Basel, Emery was frank about the situation, effectively shutting down any chance of Elliott staying long-term.
The loan agreement included a £35 million obligation to buy if the midfielder made 10 appearances. With only five outings so far and none since October, that clause will almost certainly not be triggered.
Emery explained:
“We are speaking with him. Hopefully we can find a solution that allows him to play regularly, whether that’s with us or elsewhere. He is here on loan, but he is not set to join us permanently.”
Elliott’s spell in the Midlands has been hampered by tactical issues and fierce competition for places, leaving him unable to break into Villa’s established midfield options. His last appearance was more than two months ago, and he has been left out of multiple matchday squads.
What’s next for Harvey Elliott?
Elliott is expected to head back to Liverpool next month. He was allowed to leave Anfield in the summer after slipping down the hierarchy under Arne Slot.
If Slot stays, Elliott is likely to be moved on again — either via another loan or a permanent transfer to a lower-tier Premier League side or a club abroad.
However, with Liverpool’s internal turmoil and pressure building on Slot, a managerial change could reopen the door for Elliott. Former Reds defender Glen Johnson has described him as “world-class”, and a new manager might be willing to give him another chance to prove himself at Anfield.
