Aston Villa Are Ready To Let This Player Leave At The End Of The Season: Why Is It The Right Decision? | OneFootball

According to a report from Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa are ready to send Harvey Elliott back to Liverpool at the end of the season, even though the West Midlands club included an option to sign the English playmaker permanently for £35 million if certain conditions were met. That clause once suggested a longer-term idea, yet the situation has changed, and Villa now seem happy to walk away from a deal that no longer works for either side.

However, Elliott has struggled to secure regular minutes since his arrival, and as a result, he has spent too many games watching from the bench while others take charge. At 22, he needs rhythm, responsibility, and weekly involvement, because players lose sharpness quickly without game time, which makes a move feel necessary rather than drastic.

Aston Villa are ready to send Harvey Elliott back to Liverpool at the end of the season

Meanwhile, Liverpool face a decision of their own, since Elliott has slipped down the pecking order at Anfield and his frustration has recently surfaced through public comments about the manager. January rumours continue to circulate, and if Liverpool decide to sell or loan him again, they will look for a club that can guarantee starts rather than offer vague assurances.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Harvey Elliot of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on May 13, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Still, some reports have suggested Elliott as an internal option should Mohamed Salah move on, mainly because his versatility lets him play wide, find pockets between the lines, or support a central striker. In that role, he could fill several gaps across a long season, even if he cannot match Salah’s numbers or influence.

Why is it the right decision for the Lions?

Returning to Liverpool would bring mixed feelings, since Elliott grew up supporting the club and still wants to prove himself there, yet emotion alone cannot outweigh the need to play regularly. If no suitable move materialises, he could still help as a squad player until the end of the campaign, offering creativity and energy whenever the manager calls on him.

From Aston Villa’s point of view, this call feels sensible. They need attackers who dictate matches week after week, especially with their forward play looking blunt at times this season, and committing £35 million to a player without a clear role would limit smarter recruitment in January. Letting Elliott leave creates room, sharpens priorities, and gives Villa the freedom to pursue attacking options that better fit their immediate needs rather than hold on to a deal that never truly settled.