Exclusive: Liverpool star urged to leave by club legend after recent struggles | OneFootball

Exclusive: John Barnes urges Harvey Elliott to leave Liverpool as soon as possible

It was seen as a good piece of business by all parties when Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan for the season, with an obligation to buy for £35m.

However, things haven’t quite worked out as planned with the midfielder only making eight appearances so far this season. Just two of those have come in the last three months.

Frustratingly, the obligation to purchase Elliott only becomes valid after he has made ten Premier League appearances.

Having already represented Liverpool twice at the start of the season, Elliott isn’t eligible to sign for another club in Europe this season, even if his loan spell at Villa Park was to end early.

So as it stands, Elliott’s career is in limbo. With just days left of the January transfer window, it doesn’t look like Liverpool will be recalling the 21-year-old this month.

Liverpool legend John Barnes, speaking exclusively to Anfield Index, shared his thoughts on Elliott’s situation…

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Harvey Elliott ‘isn’t the solution’ for Liverpool

“It’s going to be difficult for Harvey Elliot to establish himself as a starter in this Liverpool team,” said Barnes, “He shouldn’t be playing ahead of anyone in his role and he’s further down in the pecking order.”

“I think Harvey needs to find a permanent home; he’s been around a long time and coming back to Liverpool to sit on the bench is not the solution,” continued Barnes, “He’s not going to get the opportunity to prove himself by playing regularly.”

“Perhaps he has to look at a team like Bournemouth or Brighton, rather than a team in the top five or six so that he can get his career back on track in terms of playing regularly.”

Looking ahead

As it stands, it’ll be back to square one in the summer. Elliott will return to Liverpool, where it’s clear he has no place in Arne Slot’s plans.

The big question is what sort of state Elliott’s confidence and fitness will be in. Elliott undoubtedly holds huge talent and potential, so I’m sure there will be a number of clubs chasing his signature.

However, it’s doubtful that Liverpool will be able to retrieve the £35m originally placed into the loan deal with Aston Villa. That’s where the frustration will lie for Liverpool.