Harvey Elliott’s dream move to Aston Villa is turning sour as manager Unai Emery has reportedly made a firm decision on the midfielder’s future — and it’s not the news Liverpool fans were hoping for.
Since joining Villa on deadline day from Liverpool, Elliott has found himself on the fringes of Emery’s squad, featuring for just 167 minutes so far this season. Despite showing determination in training, the 22-year-old is struggling to adapt to Villa’s demanding system and tactical expectations.
Speaking after Villa’s Europa Conference League defeat in the Netherlands, Emery opened up about the player’s situation — and his words were brutally honest.
> “I am very demanding when choosing players,” Emery said. “Harvey is a No.10 in our structure, but we have others performing well in that position. He’s training well, but his performances haven’t reached the level we need just yet.”
Those comments hint at growing frustration from the Villa boss, who values tactical discipline and consistency above all else. With the likes of John McGinn, Moussa Diaby, and Leon Bailey all performing impressively, Elliott’s path to regular minutes looks increasingly blocked.
🔍 A Loan Turning Sour?
Elliott’s loan deal includes a £35 million option to buy at the end of the season — but insiders suggest that clause may now be in doubt unless his form improves drastically in the coming months.
Emery, however, insists there’s still time for Elliott to fight his way back:
> “He has to keep working like he’s doing. Confidence comes from performance, and that’s what we need to see from him.”
⚽ Title Race Tension
Meanwhile, Villa’s recent win over Manchester City tightened the Premier League race. Pep Guardiola’s men failed to pull away from Liverpool, who remain just a point behind — with a massive clash at the Etihad Stadium looming in two weeks.
For Elliott, though, the focus will be personal redemption. His time at Villa Park isn’t over yet — but unless something changes fast, the promising Liverpool loanee could find himself frozen out of Emery’s plans before the season’s end.
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