Aston Villa Set To Start Talks With Liverpool For Star Player: What’s The Best Situation For The Lions? | OneFootball

Tom Collomosse reports that Aston Villa and Liverpool want to hold urgent, post-deadline talks. These discussions involve Harvey Elliott’s current loan deal. Although the January transfer window just shut, the journalist says the current terms don’t work for either side.

Harvey Elliott: Aston Villa and Liverpool Set for Post-Deadline Talks

This dissatisfaction forces a rethink of the deal’s setup to better help everyone involved. Collomosse says the clubs might raise the number of games needed to trigger a permanent move.

They might also change the mandatory obligation to buy into a simpler option to buy. Because of this, bosses from both Premier League teams will meet to fix these contract issues. They are meeting now because the heavy pressure of deadline day has finally passed.

This planned meeting marks a turning point for Unai Emery’s squad. The 22-year-old midfielder has found it hard to keep a regular starting spot at Villa Park since his move. The England Under-21 international clearly has technical skill and vision.

But his lack of regular minutes makes a forced transfer fee a bad financial move for Villa right now. So, changing the contract to a flexible option would give Villa much-needed breathing room. They could then see how he actually performs for the rest of the season without being stuck with a huge future bill.

What’s best for Villa?

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – JANUARY 29: Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa FC reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Aston Villa FC and FC Salzburg at Villa Park on January 29, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Tactically, Elliott needs to play games to keep improving. But Emery has to focus on winning Premier League matches right now. This creates a bit of a clash that the current rigid contract only makes worse.

If Liverpool agree to change the terms, Villa keep a deep squad. They also mitigate long-term financial risk. This is the smartest move for the Midlands club as they push for a spot in Europe. Plus, taking away the forced transfer lets Elliott play with a clearer head.

He won’t have to worry about a pre-set price tag hanging over him. This change might help him find the form that made him so highly rated at Anfield in the first place. A new deal protects Villa’s summer budget. It ensures they spend big only on a player who actually fits their system by May.