Former Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness has admitted his surprise at manager Unai Emery's decision to barely utilise loan signing Harvey Elliott, with the midfielder's early return to Liverpool now a strong possibility.
Elliott's Frustrating Villa Park Stint
The 22-year-old Liverpool midfielder joined Villa on loan last summer in search of regular first-team football, having found opportunities limited under new Reds boss Arne Slot. However, his move to the Midlands has not gone to plan. Elliott has managed just 96 minutes of Premier League action across the first four months of the season.
His most notable contribution was a goal in the Carabao Cup against Brentford, but Villa ultimately lost on penalties. Since that outing, Elliott has fallen completely out of favour, casting serious doubt over the club's willingness to activate a reported £35 million permanent option in his loan agreement.
Wyness Questions Emery's Handling
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness, who served as Villa's CEO between 2006 and 2010, revealed his confusion over the situation. "I'm surprised that Emery hasn't been able to integrate him into the squad," Wyness stated. He acknowledged the competition for places from players like Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans but maintained his belief in Elliott's talent.
"I think there's a real player in there, a real talent. I've always rated Harvey Elliott," Wyness added. He suggested that a club promoted to the Premier League next season would find the midfielder "a great acquisition."
Potential Liverpool Boost Amidst Struggles
A premature return to Anfield could prove timely for Jurgen Klopp's successor, Arne Slot. Liverpool have endured an inconsistent campaign, including a poor run of six defeats in seven games across September and November. High-profile summer signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have faced criticism for a lack of goals.
Elliott, familiar with the club's setup, has previously demonstrated an ability to impact games from the bench—a quality Liverpool have lacked during difficult fixtures. Under FIFA regulations, the player is only eligible to represent either Liverpool or Aston Villa for the remainder of the season, making a January decision imperative for all parties.
Wyness concluded that a recall seems likely, noting, "I think that's what's pointing to him coming back to Liverpool in some way." He sympathised with the player's "very difficult situation," but implied that a substitute role at Anfield might still be his most viable immediate option.
