Aston Villa on brink of Harvey Elliott transfer decision | OneFootball

When Harvey Elliott left Anfield for Aston Villa at the end of the summer transfer window, almost everyone thought his time at Liverpool was done.

The two-time Premier League winner’s move to Villa Park was on an initial loan deal, with a clause in place that would see the move become permanent for £35 million.

For that clause to be activated Elliott had to make 10 Premier League appearances, something many believed was just a formality when the 22-year-old was handed Villa’s no.9 shirt upon his arrival.

Now, with just seven Premier League games remaining, Elliott is still yet to hit that total and his future could be decided very soon.

Elliott on the brink of milestone with future hanging in the balance

Although Villa have seven league matches remaining, one of those games is against Liverpool and Elliott will be ineligible.

The England U21 international has made four Premier League appearances for Villa this campaign, meaning he will need to feature in every remaining league match he’s eligible for in order for the move to become permanent.

Elliott was the only player to play the full 90 minutes in a friendly between Villa and Elche on Friday, and he delivered a promising display despite a 2-1 loss.

Unai Emery’s side will face Bologna in the Europa League in their next game and, as that match doesn’t count towards Elliot’s loan clause, it is likely that the Englishman will feature.

If he is involved against Bologna, then he may be rested for Villa’s league game against Nottingham Forest in between the two legs of the Europa League quarter-final tie.

If this does happen, and Elliott doesn’t feature against Forest, it will become impossible for him to hit 10 Premier League appearances for Villa and the clause to make his loan permanent won’t be triggered.

It isn’t clear what that would mean for the player. A renegotiated deal for a cut price could be agreed with Villa but there are also several teams from England interested and well-reported interest from MLS side Charlotte FC.

There could also be a place for Elliott in Liverpool’s team, especially with Mohamed Salah leaving the club, and the Englishman could be given an opportunity to earn a place in the team’s preseason.