Aston Villa Leading The Race For This Liverpool Youngster: Why They Must Make It Happen | OneFootball

If a report from the Sunday Mirror (as cited by the Birmingham Mail) is believed to be true, Aston Villa are leading the race for Harvey Elliott. After a bit-part role under Arne Slot, the Liverpool youngster is now open to a fresh challenge for regular gametime away from Merseyside.

Told the 22-year-old Englishman who only played 360 minutes of Premier League football in their title-winning campaign.

Elliott, who is currently representing England in the ongoing 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, progressed through Fulham’s academy ranks. He made his first-team debut as a 15-year-old, and despite being involved in the senior scenes, the versatile midfield prospect left for Liverpool, who handed him his first professional contract.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 17: Harvey Elliott of Liverpool battles for possession with Ezri Konsa Ngoyo of Aston Villa during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Aston Villa and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on December 17, 2019, in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

After 8 senior appearances during the Reds’ 2019-20 Premier League-winning season, Elliott was loaned out to Blackburn Rovers for assured minutes. A blistering stint in the Championship earned him a key status under former boss Jurgen Klopp. However, his development was delayed as he missed the majority of the following term due to an ankle dislocation sustained against Leeds United.

Elliott came back stronger and proved his relevance in various positions. Although he emerged as a right-winger, the ‘number 10’ spot suits him the most for his through balls, swift footwork and smart one-twos in and around the attacking third.

Yet he failed to stake a claim in Slot’s plan. The mastery of Mohamed Salah limits his opportunity down the right, and the presence of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis MacAllister and Curtis Jones has put him down the pecking order for the ‘number 10’ role. The mega-money arrival of Florian Wirtz would further jeopardise his involvement in the matchday squad, and Liverpool, therefore, are reportedly open to offers of around £30m, even though the young ace has represented them 147 times across competitions.

Why Aston Villa Should Tie Him Down

Aston Villa must spend carefully amid PSR concerns. But a few exits could free up funds for the England youth international, who would fit in Unai Emery’s 4-2-3-1 formation. The Saudi interest in Youri Tielemans, as well as the uncertainty over Marco Asensio’s return, could see the Spanish boss restore Morgan Rogers as an attacking playmaker. Leon Bailey is expected to depart for Al-Nassr, thus leaving the right midfield slot vacant for Elliott if a transfer to Villa Park occurs in due time.