New signing Harvey Elliott has revealed why he chose to leave Liverpool for Aston Villa.

Harvey Elliott has admitted that a conversation with Unai Emery blew him away and helped convince him to make a deadline day transfer to Aston Villa. Leaving the Premier League champions is a big risk for any player but Elliott showed no hesitation to complete his Villa switch.

The Player of the Tournament in the Young Lions’ recent UEFA European Under-21 Championships triumph, Elliott has joined the Villans on an initial loan deal from Liverpool. But he will almost certainly join permanently as there’s an obligation to buy for £35 million if he makes 10 appearances or more this season.

Likely to be deployed on the right flank or as an attacking midfielder, Elliott can play a key role for Villa this term – and for many years to come if he signs for the long term as expected. The 22-year-old already has two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and one Club World Cup. He’s eager to add to his collection by helping Villa end a 29-year drought.

Elliott ‘blown away’ by Emery

It will take a huge effort for Villa to win a trophy but with Unai Emery at the helm, it feels as if anything is possible, even after the poor start to this season. Elliott has huge belief in Villa and is already lost for words by his new manager. “It feels incredible. I want to say a big thank you for making this happen,” Elliott told Villa TV during his first club interview.

“Playing for a massive club like Aston Villa is every kid’s dream. I can’t wait to get started. To be an Aston Villa player is an incredible feeling. For me now, it’s about kicking on as a player. The only way to do that is by playing games, and there’s no better place to do that than here - especially with this manager, his philosophy, and the way he plays.

“Not only that, but his personal achievements as well. I was really drawn to it. I had a conversation with him, and I was blown away by how he spoke to me, how welcoming he was - that made me want it even more. I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“He’s been very welcoming, and what he said to me even before I became a Villa player - it really took my heart. It was a feeling within myself that I wanted to be here and play for him. I think the only way to repay that is to work as hard as I can.”

Rogers an inspiration for Elliott

Friend and fellow attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers is someone Elliott hopes to emulate. Rogers has become arguably Villa’s greatest asset since joining from Middlesbrough in 2024 and he looks like a shoo-in for next year’s World Cup squad.

“I’m committed to being here,” Elliott added. “Like Morgan (Rogers) and other players, many have progressed and become international stars. Morgan is one of them. To see how he plays, the confidence he has in his game, and the personal achievements like winning Young Player of the Season - it shows the pathway is there for players like me to reach that level too.

“Coming to Villa Park, you see how passionate the fans are and how well-drilled the team is. Having the chance to be a part of it - I couldn’t say no. I’m absolutely delighted to be here. I can’t wait. I’m already counting down the days. I’ve played here many times before, and it’s not an easy place to come to - that’s for sure. Now, I can’t wait to be on the other side of it.”