Aston Villa 'expected' to cut loose ‘outstanding’ player in January deemed 'not important' to Unai Emery
Aston Villa are expected to cut ties with this player once the January transfer window opens
Aston Villa are expected to cut ties earlier than expected with loan signing Harvey Elliott in the new year. Despite high expectations ahead of his move to Villa Park, the Liverpool ace has struggled to adopt the role he was in search of over the summer.
Elliott made the decision to leave Liverpool to pursue regular first team minutes. After winning the Euro U21 title with England and claiming the Player of the Tournament reward, the versatile midfielder was eager to take the next step in his international career.
The 22-year-old knew he needed more time on the pitch to catch Thomas Tuchel’s attention ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, his time at Aston Villa has not delivered the chance to impress he was looking for.
Harvey Elliott to leave Aston Villa in January
Aston Villa opted to turn to Harvey Elliott when their pursuit of Lucas Paqueta fell through. The Deadline Day move looked to be a great deal for all involved, particularly Elliott, who made a big decision to pursue regular football away from Liverpool.
Now, after playing just 97 minutes of Premier League football with Villa, Elliott is expected to see his loan deal cut short and return to Anfield early. Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the player’s situation, which has left Liverpool unhappy.
“Aston Villa decided to go for Harvey Elliott very last minute. But he’s not playing, and so Liverpool are obviously not happy. The player is not happy, and Villa want to find a solution,” Romano said during his Christmas Day transfer round-up on YouTube.
“So, Harvey Elliott is expected to return to Liverpool and then assess the situation, whether he’s going to stay or find a new solution on loan.
Harvey Elliott ‘not an important player’ under Unai Emery
Elliott has not played for Villa since October, when he made a four-minute cameo in the Europa League against Feyenoord. Now, the writing is on the wall for his position at the club.
Villa initially signed Elliott on loan with a £35 million obligation to buy clause. However, the two clubs are now looking to terminate the loan deal early, sending him back to Anfield and freeing Villa of the pending permanent deal.
“Discussions will take place for the situation of Harvey Elliott. But, for sure, he’s not expected to stay at Aston Villa, where he’s not playing, where he’s not an important player, Romano continued.
“And Unai Emery, from what I am told, is also quite happy with the attitude of the player in training. It’s just a technical and tactical decision, and so Harvey Elliott is expected to be back at Liverpool and then assess the situation with the club to understand what’s going to be next for him.”
While a return to Merseyside is best for all involved, Elliott’s options are now limited. FIFA regulations state a player can only play for two clubs during a single season. As Elliott made two appearances for Liverpool prior to his Villa move, he is unable to join another club during the January window. He will now be relying on Arne Slot to find a rotational role for him at Liverpool, or he will face a long stint on the bench until the summer.
Elliott has been praised by many over the years during his rise into the spotlight, with Alan Shearer lauding him as ‘outstanding’ back in 2023. It’s likely Liverpool won’t be short of options in the summer, should they opt to sell him.