In a twist that will disappoint many fans, Harvey Elliott will not be returning to Anfield this weekend.
The Aston Villa midfielder, currently out on loan, is ineligible to play against his parent club, leaving him sidelined for Villa’s upcoming trip to Merseyside.
Though Elliott’s Liverpool days might feel on hold, there’s still a silver lining thanks to a clause in his contract.
Loan Deal with a Twist
Elliott, 22, joined Unai Emery’s Aston Villa squad on Deadline Day, with an obligation to buy attached.
However, Mail Sport has revealed that this purchase clause is conditional — it only becomes active once Elliott has played a certain number of matches.
This setup means there’s still a chance for Elliott to return to Liverpool in the future, potentially keeping the Premier League champions from immediately cashing in on the £35million fee agreed last summer.
Meanwhile, other clubs, including teams from Germany, continue to monitor the midfielder’s situation.
Out of Emery’s Plans… For Now
The England Under-21 star was left out entirely of Villa’s 1-0 win over Manchester City last Sunday, and he will also miss the match at Anfield.
Sources suggest this absence is tied solely to his ineligibility against Liverpool rather than form or fitness.
At present, it seems Unai Emery has yet to be convinced of Elliott’s role in the squad, and any permanent move to Villa would require a shift in the manager’s thinking.
A Frustrating Twist in Elliott’s Career
Elliott’s summer move away from Liverpool was motivated by a desire for regular game time, and he was eager to catch the eye of Thomas Tuchel for potential first-team opportunities.
Being sidelined while missing a high-profile fixture against his old club must feel like a disheartening setback for the young midfielder.
Liverpool’s Safeguards
Even if Elliott’s move to Villa becomes permanent, Liverpool have protected their interests with a buy-back clause and a share of any future transfer profits.
Elliott reportedly understands the reasoning behind his current omission, though frustration lingers given his hopes for a breakthrough at Villa and his earlier struggles to secure a regular spot under Arne Slot.
What Lies Ahead
For now, Elliott will have to be patient and focus on the matches he is eligible to play, while both Villa and Liverpool keep an eye on his development.
His journey in the Premier League remains far from over, and this loan could still shape his career trajectory significantly.