Aston Villa manager Unai Emery confirmed the club is reassessing Harvey Elliott\'s loan arrangement from Liverpool, stating the midfielder\'s permanent transfer is not guaranteed despite an obligation clause tied to appearances. Elliott has made just five appearances since his September deadline-day move.
The 22-year-old joined Villa on a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy if he reaches 10 appearances this season. Liverpool sources value the transfer at £35 million, while Villa sources suggest £30 million, according to The Athletic\'s prior reporting.
Elliott has started only two matches since arriving at Villa Park. The England youth international has struggled to break into Emery\'s rotation despite his versatility across midfield positions.
\"We are speaking with him and about his situation,\" Emery said before Villa\'s Europa League match against FC Basel. \"Hopefully, we can get the best for him and the best for us.\"
The Spanish manager emphasized his respect for Elliott while acknowledging the difficult circumstances. \"I respect him as a player and as a person. He is training well, but we have one circumstance with him,\" Emery stated.
\"Hopefully, we can get a solution for him to try to play consistently and try to continue in his career with us or not.\"
Emery confirmed he has discussed Elliott\'s situation directly with the player multiple times. \"Firstly, my decision is a sport decision and secondly, he\'s on loan playing with us. He\'s not definite to move to us with a permanent contract,\" Emery explained.
Elliott\'s options remain limited. Having featured for both Liverpool and Villa this season, FIFA regulations would prevent him from joining a third club before the campaign ends. His only path back to regular playing time would be reintegrating at Anfield.
The Athletic previously reported growing frustration from Elliott\'s camp in November. The midfielder fears spending a World Cup year without consistent minutes.
Elliott joined Liverpool from Fulham in July 2019 and has registered 15 goals and 20 assists across 149 appearances for the Reds.