Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has officially confirmed that the club will not be taking up the option to sign Harvey Elliott on a permanent deal.
The 22-year-old joined Villa Park on deadline day with hopes of securing regular Premier League minutes, but his spell in the Midlands hasn’t gone as planned — and now he’s set for an uncertain return to Liverpool.
Emery rules out permanent move for Elliott
Speaking ahead of Villa’s Europa League meeting with FC Basel, Emery was straightforward about the club’s stance. The Spanish manager made it clear that Elliott’s future will not be at Villa Park, despite the option included in the loan agreement.
The deal reportedly contained a £35 million obligation to buy, triggered only if Elliott made 10 appearances. With just five outings — and none since October — that mark will not be reached.
Emery explained:
“We are speaking with him. Hopefully we can find a solution that lets him play regularly, whether that’s with us or somewhere else. He is here on loan, but there is no permanent agreement.”
Elliott has struggled to adapt tactically and has faced stiff competition for midfield places, often missing out on matchday squads entirely. His lack of involvement ultimately sealed Villa’s decision.
What comes next for Elliott?
Elliott is now expected to head back to Merseyside in the coming weeks. He was allowed to leave in the summer after slipping down the midfield hierarchy under Arne Slot.
If Slot remains Liverpool manager, the likelihood is that Elliott will once again be sent out — either on loan or permanently — possibly to a lower-table Premier League side or a club abroad.
However, there is one potential twist.
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has previously described Elliott as “world-class”, and a change in management at Anfield could reopen the door for the young midfielder to revive his career at his boyhood club.
For now, Elliott waits — and his next move may depend on what happens in the Liverpool dugout over the coming months.
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