David Ornstein: Elliott move hinges on Liverpool clause demand | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott Edges Towards Liverpool Exit Amidst Summer Transfer Speculation

Future Uncertain for Harvey Elliott at Liverpool

Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool career stands at a delicate crossroads. Despite his clear affection for the club, the 22-year-old is expected to move on this summer in search of consistent first-team football. It is not disillusionment that drives him but a professional restlessness, a sense that career momentum cannot be built from the bench.

Following a stellar campaign with England’s Under-21s — where he was crowned Player of the Tournament after netting five goals and guiding his side to a second successive European Championship title — Elliott has become one of the most talked-about names in the summer market.

The young midfielder’s form in international colours stood in stark contrast to his Liverpool season, where under Arne Slot he started just two Premier League matches. Tellingly, both came after the league title had already been decided, giving the sense of an afterthought rather than a foundational piece of Slot’s vision.

Elliott’s Role Shrinks Under Slot’s Reign

The numbers are unflattering for a player of Elliott’s ambitions. He clocked just 826 minutes across all competitions in 2024-25, a significant drop from the 2,776 minutes he played during Jürgen Klopp’s farewell season. This decline paints a broader picture of his diminishing status at the club, despite flashes of creativity and drive when called upon.

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There is no indication that a new deal is forthcoming. Elliott, who signed his current contract in 2022, now has two years remaining. For Liverpool, the timing may be perfect to sell high on a talent who still carries significant market value.

Liverpool Set Price and Terms for Exit

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool have outlined two possible scenarios for Elliott’s sale. Either they secure over £40 million along with a buy-back clause, or they will demand in excess of £50 million if that condition is excluded.

“Liverpool would want any deal for Elliott to produce a fee in excess of £40m plus a buy-back option, or above £50m without one,” wrote Ornstein.

Liverpool’s stance reveals both a recognition of Elliott’s quality and a desire to retain some leverage should he blossom elsewhere.

“Elliott has two years left on the contract he signed in 2022 and there is no sign of a new deal,” Ornstein continued.

“He will want to feature more regularly next season and if a move does materialise, it is likely the Fulham academy graduate will want to operate at an elite, possibly Champions League, level.”

“That could mean going abroad, with Liverpool inserting clauses that give them an element of control or benefit in relation to a future switch.”

European Stage Beckons for Elliott?

A move abroad is increasingly seen as the most plausible path. European sides competing in the Champions League may be more willing to offer the sort of consistent game time that Elliott now requires. His profile, creativity and versatility across midfield and attacking roles will make him an asset to clubs looking for energy and invention.

Liverpool’s insistence on a buy-back clause speaks volumes. There remains a belief that Elliott’s ceiling has yet to be reached, but circumstances at Anfield have made it difficult for that potential to be fully realised.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this potential departure lands somewhere between understanding and frustration. On the one hand, Harvey Elliott has consistently expressed his love for the club. He plays with energy, flair and purpose, and has never hidden his pride at pulling on the shirt. For many, he’s a rare example of a player who blends homegrown spirit with real top-level talent.

However, reality bites. The modern Liverpool midfield is competitive and evolving. With players like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones fighting for places, game time has become scarce. Elliott’s minutes last season reflect this shift. While his technical ability is evident, some may argue he lacks the defensive presence and tactical discipline that Slot appears to demand from his midfielders.

The suggested fee, especially with a buy-back option, seems like smart business. It allows Liverpool to benefit financially now, while retaining future flexibility. If Elliott flourishes abroad or at a Champions League-level club, the Reds could still bring him back into the fold. Fans will be keen to see that clause used, should his trajectory take off.

Ultimately, while many supporters would be sad to see Elliott leave, most would also acknowledge that he deserves more than a place on the fringes. Letting him go with dignity, and on Liverpool’s terms, may serve everyone best — even if it stings to lose a player who felt like one of our own.