Liverpool are reportedly considering cutting short Harvey Elliott's season-long loan at Aston Villa, as a deepening injury crisis at Anfield prompts a potential rethink. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has struggled for game time under Unai Emery, making just seven appearances since his summer move to Villa Park.
The Stalled Loan and the £35m Clause
The original deal that took Elliott to the Midlands includes a significant clause. If the player makes ten appearances for Aston Villa this season, it triggers an obligation for the club to sign him permanently for a fee of £35 million. His current tally of seven outings leaves him just three games away from activating that clause, a situation that may now be in flux.
However, the loan agreement does not contain a standard recall option for Liverpool. This means any early return would require a 'new agreement' to be negotiated between the two clubs and the player himself. Despite his limited use, Villa boss Unai Emery may be reluctant to lose squad depth, having previously cited fierce competition for the number ten role as the reason for Elliott's restricted minutes.
Liverpool's Pressing Need for Reinforcements
The driving force behind the potential recall is a severe shortage of attacking options for Reds manager Arne Slot. The situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks. Forward Cody Gakpo has been sidelined with a muscle injury since the 3-3 draw with Leeds United earlier in December.
More concerning is the injury to striker Alexander Isak, who underwent surgery on a fractured fibula on December 22. Discussing the Swede's prognosis, Slot delivered a bleak update, stating: "It's going to be a long injury. For a couple of months. That's a big, big, big disappointment for him and as a result of that, of course, also for us."
Compounding these issues, star forward Mohamed Salah is away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and could be absent until mid-January if his nation progresses to the final. Elliott's versatility, being able to operate both centrally and out wide, makes him an attractive short-term solution for the Merseyside club.
What Happens Next for Elliott and Villa?
For the player, there is reported disappointment at the lack of opportunities to prove himself at Villa. His path to the starting eleven is currently blocked by the in-form Morgan Rogers, who has contributed seven goals and three assists in 17 appearances this term.
The immediate focus turns to Villa's next Premier League fixture, a trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether Emery will grant Elliott a chance to impress or stick with Rogers. A strong performance could influence the ongoing discussions about his future.
Should Elliott return to Liverpool, he would be unable to go out on loan again this season, having already played for two clubs. His only option for a subsequent move in January would be to a league operating outside the standard European calendar.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa continue to enjoy a superb season, sitting third in the table with 11 wins, three draws, and three losses. They are just three points behind leaders Arsenal and one point adrift of Manchester City, with a seven-point cushion over fourth-placed Chelsea ahead of their crucial weekend clash.
