Insider claims Harvey Elliott’s next move is now ‘almost certain’ following the failed Aston Villa loan deal
Harvey Elliott enters 2026 facing significant uncertainty over his immediate future, with his loan move from Liverpool to Aston Villa having clearly failed to deliver the outcome he hoped for.
The 22-year-old has barely featured over the past three months after slipping out of favour under Unai Emery, and with only five appearances toward the 10-game requirement needed to trigger a permanent transfer, it now seems inevitable that Villa will not retain him beyond this season.
The Athletic reported last week that MLS side Charlotte FC have registered an interest in Elliott, although subsequent reports from the same outlet suggested that those close to the player have played down the prospect of a short-term switch to the United States. Even so, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown — who remains well connected within the game — is convinced that a move to MLS is now the most likely outcome.
Elliott ‘set’ for MLS switch
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown said:
“It looks increasingly inevitable that he’ll end up in the MLS. Elliott needs to be playing regularly, and it’s become clear that’s not going to happen at Aston Villa, regardless of the expectations he had when he joined.
“It’s unfortunate because he’s a hugely talented player who might well have been pushing for an England call-up if he’d been playing consistently. Even at Liverpool he was more of a squad option, but now he’s not getting minutes at all.
“A move to MLS makes sense right now. He can go there for six months, focus solely on football, perform well, and then reassess his options in the summer.”
MLS could offer Elliott the reset he needs
A six-month spell in MLS appears to suit all parties — most importantly Elliott himself. Remaining at Villa serves little purpose, while Liverpool’s decision to allow the loan without a recall clause suggests his long-term future at Anfield is already decided, despite calls from some supporters for another opportunity.
Above all, Elliott needs a club where his ability is valued and where he can revive his career momentum. A stint in the United States could either become a longer-term solution or act as a springboard back to the Premier League or European football.
MLS has emerged as a particularly practical short-term option due to regulations limiting players from representing more than two clubs in a single season. Because the league operates on a calendar-year format — a system set to change in 2027 — it falls outside those restrictions.
Liverpool and Aston Villa are also believed to be exploring the possibility of terminating the current loan agreement early, according to The Athletic. However, this may prove complex, as Villa would likely need to pay a compensation fee to end the deal prematurely, requiring both clubs to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
While a return to Anfield would be welcomed by many, it appears highly unlikely under Arne Slot, with Elliott not featuring in the manager’s plans. The priority now is ensuring the 22-year-old escapes his current limbo and finds regular football elsewhere — something his talent fully warrants.
