Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool return is already earmarked, Aston Villa stay is not guaranteed
Harvey Elliott could be destined for a Liverpool return at the end of his Aston Villa loan spell.
Elliott signed for Villa on a temporary deal on deadline day as Unai Emery looked for an alternative to Jacob Ramsey after his move to Newcastle United.
This saw the England under-21 international join from Anfield alongside another loanee in the shape of Jadon Sancho from Manchester United.
Villa have a conditional obligation to buy Elliott, which could see him remain at Villa Park beyond this campaign.
With that being said, a move back to Merseyside could still be in the pipeline for Elliott before a permanent move elsewhere ahead of next season.
This article includes exclusive comment from former Aston Villa scout Bryan King.
Harvey Elliott could return to Liverpool next summer
There is a general feeling that Elliott will take up a key role in the Villa starting 11 for the rest of the campaign after his loan switch.
After a stellar summer with England at the Under-21 EUROs, there was widespread interest in securing his signature throughout the window.
| Stat (EURO U21) | Harvey Elliott |
| Minutes played | 475 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Chances created | 10 |
| Successful dribbles | 4 |
| Duels won | 13 |
As a result, his move to B6 represents a coup for the claret and blue outfit, although there is no guarantee of success for the attacking midfielder this campaign.
This hasn’t been lost on ex-Villa employee King, who believes a return to Liverpool could still be possible before being sold permanently by Arne Slot’s side next summer.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “He’s a talented boy.
“Villa never sold any of their big players. They’ve obviously had the financial restraint on them, and that’s been the main reason why they’ve been looking at loans like this.
“At least he’s there for the season. He’s got a chance to prove to Villa that he is the finished article. If he isn’t, he’ll go back to Liverpool, and he’ll probably be sold then.
“If Villa don’t want to go through with the deal, then he’ll be sold, because it looks pretty clear to me that he won’t be a central part of that Liverpool side.“
Harvey Elliott has to be instant hit at Aston Villa
Although the versatile attacker may have been useful for the Three Lions this summer, showing that form in the Premier League is a different prospect.
With that being said, after a terrible start to the season for Villa, he will be expected to hit the ground running and turn the tide in the Midlands.
It will be interesting to see if he can perform at the level required and make the impact that the Villa Park faithful are hoping for from the summer signing.
If he can’t do that, there is every chance that he doesn’t comply with the conditions of his loan deal, something which could ultimately end with him returning to Liverpool at the end of the campaign.
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