Unai Emery candid on Harvey Elliott situation, Aston Villa decided two months ago against signing him | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott has been frozen out at Aston Villa and is expected to leave in the coming weeks. Unai Emery said the club decided two months ago not to sign the Liverpool loanee due to an appearance-linked obligation to buy.

The 22-year-old has not featured since early October, making only seven appearances and totalling 174 minutes since arriving.

Emery explained that Elliott’s loan includes a requirement to buy if he plays, and that Villa are not convinced about spending the money. He stressed he respects Elliott, describing him as a very good professional.

The situation has not checked Villa’s momentum. Emery’s side sit third in the Premier League after a stuttering start, partly down to poorly integrated recruits.

Despite absences of Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres, Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Evann Guessand and new signing Alysson, a return for Elliott seems unlikely. Fabrizio Romano reports the loan could be cut short, with MLS side Charlotte interested in the 22-year-old.

Source: L'Équipe