Report: Brighton Launch £40m Bid for Liverpool’s “Uncertain” Midfield Star | OneFootball

Brighton Make Early Move for Harvey Elliott

Liverpool’s summer transfer window has begun with a decisive stride, signalling a bold start to the Arne Slot era. The club’s capture of Florian Wirtz, long admired across Europe, represents more than just a marquee signing – it’s a marker of renewed ambition at Anfield.

Yet, for every new arrival, there is usually an unsettling consequence elsewhere. In this case, attention has turned to Harvey Elliott, whose future at the club has come under increasing scrutiny following Wirtz’s arrival.

Elliott Facing Crucial Summer Decision

Harvey Elliott, signed from Fulham in 2019, has matured impressively at Liverpool. Once heralded as one of England’s brightest young prospects, Elliott has steadily carved out his role within a competitive midfield unit. But competition has intensified dramatically.

With Wirtz now joining a group already including Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones, the message to fringe players is unambiguous: opportunities will be harder to come by.

As the midfield reshuffle continues, Elliott’s pathway appears increasingly obstructed. That shift hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Brighton Prepare £40m Bid for Liverpool Midfielder

According to The Standard, Brighton have identified Elliott as a “key target” for the summer window. The south coast side are reportedly preparing a £40 million offer for the Liverpool midfielder, believing their progressive project could entice the 21-year-old.

“He is thought to have a variety of other clubs interested in his services, both in the Premier League and abroad,” the report continues. But Brighton have made the first significant move, hoping their philosophy centred on youth and technical ability will give them the edge.

It’s understood Elliott “became unsettled towards the end of the season as reports of the Reds’ interest in Florian Wirtz intensified.” Now, with the German international officially unveiled, a transfer appears increasingly plausible.

“Elliott seems ready to move for greener pastures,” the piece adds – a sentiment that seems to reflect a broader shift in Liverpool’s squad strategy.

Liverpool Yet to Respond to Brighton Interest

Liverpool have not yet issued a response to Brighton’s approach. While there’s no indication the Reds are actively seeking to part ways with Elliott, the emergence of Wirtz – alongside the strong performances from Szoboszlai and Mac Allister – has placed the youngster at a crossroads.

Elliott’s technical quality and versatility have earned admiration beyond Anfield. His ability to operate both centrally and wide makes him an attractive proposition for clubs that prioritise fluid, attacking football – a profile that fits Brighton’s system under their recruitment model.

Should the Seagulls firm up their bid, Liverpool’s reaction will offer a strong indication of their long-term vision under Slot. Retain Elliott as part of the new era, or sanction a high-value exit that would mark the first significant outgoing of the summer?

In a window that has started with clear intent, Liverpool’s next move could shape the midfield’s dynamic for seasons to come.

Harvey Elliott’s statistical radar from the past 365 days offers a fascinating glimpse into his profile as an attacking midfielder or winger. Measured across 542 minutes of action, the data reveals a player with standout strengths in attacking contribution and possession play, while also highlighting areas for growth defensively.

Attacking Output Among the Elite

Elliott ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals, a remarkable achievement considering his limited minutes. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and expected assisted goals (xAG) also sit at an elite level—92nd and 85th percentile respectively. These metrics suggest a player who not only finishes well but also consistently positions himself in dangerous areas. His assist figure (86th percentile) complements this, underlining his capacity to both create and score.

The radar also reflects well on his ability to impact attacking phases through shot-creating actions (77th percentile), which encapsulates the final two actions leading to a shot. Although his combined xG + xAG dips slightly to the 44th percentile, the context of limited minutes and varying roles should be taken into account.

Possession Metrics Show Technical Maturity

What sets Elliott apart further is his composure and technical proficiency on the ball. He ranks in the 98th percentile for both passes attempted and progressive passes, a testament to his willingness to play forward and dictate tempo. His pass completion rate (81st percentile) is particularly impressive given the high volume and ambition of his distribution.

In terms of ball progression, Elliott scores 97th percentile for touches and 98th for progressive passes received, highlighting his constant availability and involvement in buildup. Although his progressive carries (12th percentile) and successful take-ons (13th percentile) are low, it likely reflects his current role rather than an inability—positionally, he often operates in tighter areas rather than isolated one-on-one situations.

Defensive Contribution a Clear Work in Progress

Elliott’s defensive numbers indicate where improvements can be made. His scores for tackles plus interceptions (33rd percentile) and percentage of dribblers tackled (36th percentile) are modest. However, he does show tenacity in specific areas, with clearances (67th percentile) and blocks (90th percentile) far stronger than might be expected from a creative player.

Overall, this chart paints a picture of a technically adept, attack-minded midfielder with high potential. As he matures and gains more minutes, particularly under a system that values pressing and compact structure, there is every reason to believe his defensive metrics will improve too.