Key Highlights
- Aston Villa manager Unai Emery confirms discussions with Harvey Elliott about his future at the club.
- Elliott is not guaranteed to remain with Aston Villa beyond the end of the season and has struggled for gametime since joining from Liverpool on loan in September 2025.
- The deal includes an obligation for Aston Villa to make a permanent transfer next summer if Elliott makes 10 appearances this season, with a potential transfer fee of £30m or £35m depending on the source.
- Elliott has not featured consistently in Villa’s lineup and fears spending the season out of the squad ahead of the World Cup year.
Aston Villa Midfielder Harvey Elliott’s Uncertain Future
According to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, the club is currently engaged in discussions with midfielder Harvey Elliott about his future at the club. Speaking before their Europa League match against FC Basel on Thursday, December 10, 2025, Emery expressed his concern over Elliott’s performance and availability for the team.
Unai Emery’s Statement
“We are speaking with him and about his situation. He is not here with us. Hopefully, we can get the best for him and the best for us,” Emery said. “I respect him as a player and as a person.
He is training well, but we have one circumstance with him. 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 further elaborated on his decision, stating that it’s a sport-related decision and that Elliott is currently on loan from Liverpool.
Loan Deal Details
Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan from Liverpool on deadline day in September 2025. The deal includes an obligation for Aston Villa to make the transfer permanent next summer if Elliott makes 10 appearances this season, with a potential transfer fee of £30m or £35m depending on the source.
However, since making the move from Anfield, Elliott has struggled to secure gametime at Villa Park. He has made just five appearances and two starts for Aston Villa in 2025-26, raising questions about his future with the club. The lack of playing time could be particularly concerning given that Elliott is preparing for the upcoming World Cup.
Player’s Perspective
The Athletic reported in November 2025 that there was growing frustration among Elliott regarding his situation at Aston Villa. With only limited opportunities to play, Elliott fears spending the season largely out of the lineup ahead of a crucial tournament. This concern is shared by Liverpool sources who have indicated their desire for Elliott’s return.
Harvey Elliott joined Liverpool in July 2019 as a 16-year-old from Fulham and has since made 149 appearances, scoring 15 goals, and recording 20 assists.
Despite his experience with the Reds, his current situation at Aston Villa highlights the challenges faced by young talents in the highly competitive Premier League.
As Aston Villa continues to evaluate Elliott’s future, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds. Will Elliott secure a permanent move to Villa Park or return to Liverpool? The coming months will provide answers to these questions as the club and player navigate their respective interests.
