Aston Villa are ‘Leading the Race’ to Sign £30m Liverpool Star – Report | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott’s Next Chapter? Villa Lead Race for Liverpool Midfielder

Harvey Elliott may be nearing the end of his Liverpool journey, with Aston Villa reportedly ready to meet the Reds’ £30 million valuation for the 22-year-old midfielder. The Sunday Mirror reports that Villa are now “leading the race” for Elliott, who is said to be seeking regular first-team football after a frustrating campaign under Arne Slot.

Elliott’s minutes nosedived during Liverpool’s title-winning 2024/25 season. He featured for only 360 minutes in the Premier League, largely from the bench, and started just two matches after the title was wrapped up. This was in stark contrast to the 2023/24 campaign, where he clocked up 1,335 Premier League minutes and contributed three goals and nine assists. Add to that his 1,451 minutes in cup competitions and the drop-off in involvement becomes even more evident.

“It’s been hard with how much I’ve played,” Elliott admitted towards the end of the season. “I’ve tried as hard as I could, and whatever happens, happens. It’s about what’s best for my career. It’s about reflecting and seeing what I can do.”

Photo: IMAGO

Crowded Midfield Forces Elliott’s Hand

The message is clear: Liverpool’s midfield depth is now a double-edged sword. The arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have reshaped the dynamic, with Elliott slipping further down the pecking order. The club’s reported interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz only adds to the sense that game-time for Elliott will remain elusive.

While Elliott remains a popular figure within the dressing room, Liverpool are showing a level of pragmatism this summer. As with Darwin Núñez, who has drawn serious interest from Napoli, and Andy Robertson, who is the subject of interest from Atlético Madrid, there is a growing emphasis on allowing fringe players to pursue opportunities elsewhere if the right offers arrive.

Villa’s Ambition Appeals to Elliott

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, now established in Europe and pushing into the Premier League’s top tier, are seen as the ideal platform for Elliott to revitalise his career. Villa believe Elliott could bring “creativity and versatility across attacking midfield and wide positions”, offering competition to the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey.

Photo: IMAGO

Elliott’s technical ability, tactical discipline and set-piece delivery could thrive in a team that values ball retention and high-tempo pressing. At 22, he still has the potential to become a Premier League regular and an England senior international. It is not hard to see why Emery is keen.

Liverpool Ready to Recycle the Squad

Arne Slot’s arrival has ushered in a subtle but significant shift in strategy. While the core remains in place, there is a clear intention to refresh the squad, recalibrate roles and make way for new arrivals. That means letting go of players who are no longer regulars, no matter their technical quality or potential.

Elliott’s exit, if it materialises, would fall into this category: painful for many, but ultimately understandable from a footballing perspective. His exit would also give Liverpool greater flexibility in the market as they look to bolster their ranks further.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The idea of Harvey Elliott moving on is hard to stomach. This is a lad who joined the club as a teenager, fought back from a serious injury and always represented the badge with energy and determination. His goal against PSG in the Champions League was one of the moments of the season. Yet, despite these flashes, he hasn’t been given the consistent run in the side that he deserves.

There’s a real sense among fans that Elliott has been unlucky more than underwhelming. He’s often been the one sacrificed tactically, or subbed late on without truly being trusted to influence a game. It’s understandable that he wants more, and maybe under Emery he’ll get the freedom and responsibility he craves.

But if he goes on to flourish at Villa — or elsewhere — many of us will be left wondering whether Liverpool could and should have found a better way to unlock his talent. It feels like another player whose prime will play out away from Anfield, and that always hurts.