Liverpool and Villa set for talks over loan deal | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott’s Aston Villa Future in Focus as Liverpool Reassess Loan Terms

Liverpool and Aston Villa are understood to be in ongoing discussions over the future of Harvey Elliott, with both clubs exploring ways to adjust the structure of his current loan agreement. The England Under-21 international has endured a challenging campaign at Villa Park, prompting a reassessment of his long-term prospects and raising fresh questions over his role in Liverpool’s wider squad planning.

According to a recent report by talkSPORT, first published by Ben Jacobs and Jake Lambourne, the obligation clause within Elliott’s deal could be revised as both sides seek a solution that benefits the player’s development and preserves his market value.

With the summer window approaching, Elliott’s situation has become a key subplot in Liverpool’s evolving recruitment and retention strategy.

Elliott’s Difficult Spell at Aston Villa

When Elliott joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan last summer, expectations were high. The move was viewed as an opportunity for the midfielder to secure regular Premier League football and accelerate his progression after limited opportunities at Anfield.

However, his time in the Midlands has proved frustrating. Despite early appearances, Elliott has struggled to establish himself under Unai Emery, making only a handful of league starts and often finding himself outside the matchday squad. Competition from established midfielders and tactical preferences have limited his involvement, restricting his rhythm and confidence.

While Elliott has shown flashes of quality in cup and European fixtures, consistent domestic minutes have been elusive. His lack of sustained game time has inevitably raised concerns at Liverpool, who view regular competitive exposure as central to his long-term development.

The talkSPORT report notes that Elliott has made fewer than ten Premier League appearances, meaning the automatic £35 million purchase obligation has not yet been triggered.

Liverpool’s Strategic Approach to Elliott’s Development

Liverpool’s hierarchy remains highly attentive to Elliott’s progress. Internally, there is recognition that his technical ability, versatility and intelligence remain valuable assets, particularly under Arne Slot’s system, which prioritises positional discipline and creative midfield play.

Rather than recalling the player midway through the season, Liverpool opted for stability, allowing Elliott to remain at Villa Park despite interest from abroad, including enquiries from Major League Soccer. FIFA registration rules limited alternative European moves, narrowing available options.

The club’s current focus is on safeguarding Elliott’s long-term value. Allowing him to stagnate on the fringes would serve neither sporting nor commercial interests. As outlined in the original talkSPORT source, Liverpool are open to modifying the loan agreement so Elliott can play without automatically activating a permanent transfer.

Such flexibility reflects a broader trend in Liverpool’s player management, where loan structures are increasingly adapted to maximise individual growth and future sale potential.

Potential Changes to Loan Agreement Structure

Discussions between Liverpool and Aston Villa are believed to centre on converting the existing obligation to buy into a more flexible option. This could involve raising the appearance threshold, removing the clause entirely, or introducing performance-based conditions.

From Villa’s perspective, this would reduce financial risk while offering Emery greater freedom to rotate his squad. From Liverpool’s standpoint, it would encourage Elliott’s inclusion without forcing a premature permanent decision.

Ben Jacobs suggested on talkSPORT’s Hawksbee and Jacobs show that post-window amendments are possible, even after the transfer deadline has passed. Such changes would allow Elliott to feature more regularly and rebuild momentum ahead of the summer market.

This approach would place Elliott back in the shop window, increasing his visibility to potential suitors while providing Liverpool with clearer data on his readiness for first-team reintegration.

Implications for Summer Transfer Planning

Elliott’s future is likely to be resolved as part of Liverpool’s broader summer overhaul. With midfield depth under constant review and multiple recruitment targets being monitored, his status remains fluid.

Three pathways appear realistic: reintegration into Slot’s squad, a renewed loan to a more suitable environment, or a permanent transfer if the right valuation is achieved. Much will depend on his performances during the final months of the campaign.

For Aston Villa, continued access to Elliott’s creativity could be valuable during the run-in, particularly as they compete for European qualification. For Liverpool, every appearance offers further insight into whether he can still fulfil his long-term promise at Anfield.

What remains clear is that both clubs are seeking a solution that protects their interests while prioritising the player’s career trajectory. As first reported by talkSPORT, the willingness to revisit contractual terms underlines a pragmatic approach from all parties.

With careful management, Elliott’s difficult loan spell could yet become a turning point rather than a setback.