Harvey Elliott's two options as Unai Emery's true thoughts on Liverpool loanee emerge
Daily mirror December 26, 2025 09:39 PM

Harvey Elliott journey from becoming a rising star at Liverpoolto losing his place in the squad at Aston Villa is unexpected. The 22-year-old moved to Villa on loan in the summer but has had limited game time.

The two-time Premier League champion played 28 matches for the Reds last season, netting five goals and providing three assists. Since his transfer from Fulham's under-18s in 2019, the young talent seemed to be on a promising path at Anfield.

Elliott has made 149 appearances in total for Liverpool and recently lifted the Premier League trophy as part of Arne Slot's title-winning team. However, he joined Unai Emery's side in the summer on a temporary basis and appears to have plummeted down the pecking order.

Here, Mirror Football provides an update on Elliott's career and where he might be heading next.

• Liverpool icon, 30, has contract TERMINATED and is now available for free in January

• Chelsea launch shock Antoine Semenyo transfer bid in race involving Man Utd and Liverpool

'Silly' decision

Elliott enjoyed a successful summer away from Liverpool as England triumphed over Germany 3-2 to clinch the European Under-21 Championship. The 22-year-old played a crucial role in guiding the Three Lions to the final with four goals in the knockout stages, ensuring they lifted the trophy.

During the semi-final against the Netherlands, Elliott made an error while celebrating the first of two goals in the match. After taking the lead, the forward attempted a knee slide on the Tehelne Pole stadium turf in Slovakia and ended up getting stuck.

The Dutch levelled matters 10 minutes later through Noah Ohio before Elliott struck the decisive goal in the 86th minute to book England's place in the final. After the match, the young talent confessed he had made a mistake with his celebration.

He told Channel 4: "I don't know what I've done to my knee, but it's hurting. So hopefully it's nothing too silly. It's a silly decision from me, to be honest, but it's just one of them, live in the moment.

"You do these things, but I forgot the pitch was ridiculously dry and it is the price I have to pay."

Fortunately, the Liverpool ace bounced back in time to help England triumph over Germany, adding further silverware to his collection.

Recall possibilities for the Reds

In short, Liverpool face two choices regarding Elliott. They must either terminate the loan agreement at Villa and bring him back into their current setup or allow him to sit in their rival's reserve team.

The 22-year-old's temporary switch featured a mandatory £30million purchase option should he reach a specific number of appearances. However, Elliott hasn't featured on Villa's bench since October, with Emery showing no interest in making Elliott's stay permanent.

A BBC Sport report from earlier this month verified there is no recall option between Villa and Liverpool for the promising midfielder. Despite this, both sides could reach an understanding to end the loan arrangement prematurely.

FIFA rules stipulate that a player can only feature for two clubs within a single season. They may be registered with three clubs but are restricted to appearing for just two.

Elliott made two outings for Liverpool this campaign before switching to Villa, meaning his choices are now limited.

Unai Emery's perspective

Former Villa chief Keith Wyness believes Emery doesn't value Elliott highly enough to include him in the starting XI. The midfielder has managed just 96 minutes of Premier League action since arriving in Birmingham.

Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness confessed to being surprised that Villa's manager has not utilised Elliott more extensively, though he suspects the player is being kept out by existing stars flourishing in midfield.

He said: "I think that's what's pointing to him coming back to Liverpool in some way. It's a very difficult situation for the boy, very difficult. And I know that if he does come back, he probably would be benched and probably not be getting the game time.

"I think there's a real player in there, a real talent. I've always rated Harvey Elliott. I'm surprised that, you know, Emery hasn't been able to integrate him into the squad.

"But then again, you know, players like Morgan Rogers in midfield as well, Youri Tielemans, et cetera. It's been difficult to find a spot for him.

"But I do think particularly at clubs that may be coming up from next season. I think he'd be a great acquisition."

© Copyright @2025 LIDEA. All Rights Reserved.