Liverpool Face £40m Question as Transfer Window Ramps Up – Opinion | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott’s Conundrum: Patience, Progression or Parting Ways?

As Liverpool prepare to unveil Florian Wirtz as their marquee summer signing, the focus subtly shifts to what that means for Harvey Elliott. While Wirtz undergoes his medical on Merseyside, Elliott is far from Anfield, captaining England Under-21s against Germany in the European Championship. The symbolism is difficult to ignore.

Elliott, once tipped as a key figure in Liverpool’s long-term future, now finds himself at a crossroads. In Arne Slot’s debut campaign, which delivered a historic Premier League title, the 22-year-old featured just 28 times in all competitions, only six of those as a starter. The arrival of Wirtz, who dominated in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, may further restrict Elliott’s path into the starting eleven.

Photo: IMAGO

A Player With Talent, But Limited Opportunity

Elliott’s 2024–25 campaign was shaped by circumstance. After an impressive pre-season, he suffered a broken foot that ruled him out for three months. In his absence, Dominik Szoboszlai cemented his place in the No 10 role. Slot, inheriting a Klopp-built side while introducing his own ideas, had limited scope for experimentation.

Despite that, Elliott still delivered when called upon. A late winner at the Parc des Princes in the Champions League against PSG remains a highlight. He also impressed in victories over Brentford and Lille in January. Yet, those moments weren’t enough to secure a consistent run in the team.

His reflections ahead of the Under-21 Euros were telling:

“I’m going to be 23 next season, and I don’t really want to be wasting years of my career, because it’s a short career… If that’s to go somewhere else, then it’s a decision I’m going to have to make.”

That candour contrasts with earlier interviews in which he repeatedly stressed his desire to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool.

Photo: IMAGO

Tactical Fit and Market Reality

Elliott’s qualities are clear: he thrives in tight spaces, possesses excellent technical ability, and contributes to Liverpool’s attacking sequences in open play. Data from the 2023–24 season shows that per 90 minutes, he was involved in more shot-ending sequences than any other Liverpool player. He may not take the final shot, but he helps make them happen.

He can operate as a wide midfielder, but his instincts suit the half-space in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system. That makes him a flexible option — but also one in danger of becoming a utility man rather than a specialist.

Slot used him sparingly last season, in part because Liverpool often led games comfortably, allowing other players to be rotated in. With Wirtz arriving and others ahead in the pecking order, Elliott must weigh his next step carefully.

Liverpool rate him highly and see him as a valuable asset. His contract is not up for debate, and they would seek a fee north of £40 million — a figure that reflects both his Premier League experience and age. For context, Fabio Carvalho fetched up to £27.5 million last summer. Elliott is seen as a level above.

Photo: IMAGO

Where Next for Elliott?

Elliott’s options are appealing but limited. Any club looking to sign him needs to tick three boxes: financial muscle, a system that suits his style, and guaranteed playing time. That narrows the field significantly.

Aston Villa could be a fit under Unai Emery, while Brighton offer a proven development environment. Newcastle and Tottenham would likely have him as a rotational option, but could offer Champions League football and more minutes than he gets at Liverpool. Wolves have shown interest too, but that might represent a step down and raise affordability issues.

Ultimately, Elliott remains a player of considerable promise. His ceiling is high, but he is yet to prove he can be the main creative outlet across a full season. At 22, time is on his side — but so is pressure. If he stays at Liverpool, he must force his way in. If he leaves, the risk lies in whether the next club can truly unleash his potential.