"This time last year, Elliott was flying high with the Reds squad who were on their way to a Premier League title. Despite only playing 28 times in 2024/25, the young midfielder was at the place he loved being most: Anfield. He had found it difficult to break into the starting line-up under Arne Slot. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister had locked down the holding midfield roles, with Dominik Szoboszlai occupying the attacking midfield role."
"Away from Anfield, he was a standout player in England's U21 European Championships victory, scoring 5 goals in the tournament. Yet with all the blockbuster signings, there was no room for Elliott at Liverpool. Unai Emery saw potential in the midfielder, bringing him on loan to Aston Villa with an obligation to buy. Fast forward some months later, and Elliott finds himself stuck in a predicament where he is unwanted by both Liverpool and Villa."
"As if a public declaration of shame was not enough, Villa are hesitant to feature Elliott because of the finances involved in the deal. The threat of unnecessarily breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) for a player the manager does not even want, is combined with the obligation to buy and pay £35m to Liverpool if Elliott makes 10 appearances. Had Villa not agreed to the clause in the first place, they would not have their hands tied."
Harvey Elliott returned from England U21 success but struggled for Liverpool minutes due to competition from Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Unai Emery brought Elliott to Aston Villa on loan with an obligation to buy. Emery later said Villa were unconvinced to spend the required money. Villa hesitate to play Elliott because an appearance-triggered obligation would force a £35m payment and risk breaching Financial Fair Play. Long-term injuries to Villa midfielders created a potential opening, but the obligation clause and financial concerns left Elliott unwanted by both clubs and trapped in limbo.
Read at Rush The Kop
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]