Aston Villa explore possible solutions to end Harvey Elliott nightmare as amid FIFA complications
Harvey Elliott could be set to return to Liverpool in January, just four months after Aston Villa agreed to sign the midfielder.
Villa signed Elliott from Liverpool on transfer deadline day, agreeing on a loan move that would become permanent next summer.
But the 22-year-old has played just 174 minutes of action across all competitions for the Villans since arriving, leaving fans scratching their heads.
It has been speculated that Villa could be leaving Elliott out for financial reasons, with the obligation to buy reportedly only activated once the player makes 10 appearances.
As Villa beat Bournemouth 4-0 before the international break, the England youth international failed to even make the bench.
Solutions explored for difficult Harvey Elliott situation
Emery said Elliot was signed “because I believe in him” after the Manchester City game, for which the midfielder had been left out of the squad completely.
But the Spaniard’s words do not have any verifiable proof, with the former Fulham man completely left out in the cold.
It is a bizarre situation, considering that Elliott is a well-established Premier League talent and enjoyed such a positive summer.
The 22-year-old won the player of the tournament award at the Under-21 European Championship, scoring five goals as England lifted the trophy.
Elliott had played fewer minutes under Arne Slot at Liverpool, but had been a regular performer for Jurgen Klopp.
Now, with Villa seemingly keen to get out of the agreement they had made with the Reds, discussions are ongoing.
The Daily Mail reported on Thursday that Liverpool and Villa are “exploring possible options” for Elliott, but FIFA rules leave the scenario without an obvious answer.
As Elliott has already represented both clubs this season, the midfielder would not be able to play for another club before May.
Elliott situation made more odd by positive full debut
It has become more and more evident by the passing week that Elliott was thrust upon Emery, rather than the Spaniard requesting that the midfielder be signed.
There was a brief moment in the season in which the Villa boss did seem to trust the 22-year-old, however.
Emery handed Elliott his full debut in the Carabao Cup against Brentford, early in the season, and the midfielder made an instant impact.
| Harvey Elliott | vs Brentford (A) |
| Minutes played | 67 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Recoveries | 4 |
| Duels won | 2 |
| Was fouled | 1 |
His goal was the standout moment in a dreary night for Villa, who would go on to lose on penalties. The performance, however, did not sway Emery.
Elliott has played just 81 minutes of football since that day in September, and now looks set for a season of disappointment.
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