FA urged to intervene after ‘disgusting’ Harvey Elliott developments away from Liverpool
Liverpool star Harvey Elliott is caught in a tricky situation at Aston Villa.
Elliott left Liverpool for more gametime on loan with the Villans, but he has struggled to get into Unai Emery‘s plans.
The 22-year-old has featured just seven times in all competitions, as there is a buyout clause in the deal that activates once he makes 10 appearances.
It is safe to say that the move is not working out for anyone at the moment, and the Villa Park boss has only made things worse.
What has Emery said about Liverpool loanee Elliott?
Emery has admitted to not using Elliott to avoid paying the fee to Liverpool, that is why the England Under-21 star’s matches have been limited.
He has urged Arne Slot‘s side to get rid of the clause, so that the player can play more often and the B6 club do not have to worry about the money.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on 6 February, he said: “Of course he must play, and he’s really being passionate and I know we are damaging him, because we got a deal with Liverpool in the summer and the deal is there, and we are taking the decision responsibly from my side.
“It can change for him, in case Liverpool take off this clause – if they don’t want to, okay.”
Whether the Reds bow to Emery’s demands, and come to a compromise that allows their man to play, remains to be seen.
Elliott situation should force FA involvement
Liverpool supporters have not reacted well to the comments from the Villa boss.
They do not like the way that their club are being framed as the party at fault for Elliott’s lack of gametime.
The Anfield faithful sees it as, if the Villans were not prepared to pay the money, then they should never have agreed to take the player on loan with those conditions.
One fan called on the Football Association to intervene in the matter, saying: “Emery’s comments on Elliott, Liverpool need to alter loan agreement? Villa buying a million pound house on a minimum wage salary. You knew terms and agreed to terms disrespect to Elliott and his career totally unprofessional. FA should intervene? Breach of contract?”
Another labelled Emery as a “Scumbag”, saying: “Scumbag Emery is. They made and agreed the deal, Elliott is there to benefit them, and even maybe help them beat Liverpool to top 4 and/or trophies. But they want LFC to make the changes to the deal. Na.”
One supporter said: “I think Emery & Villa have got some cheek with these latest Harvey Elliott comments. He was the best player for England u-21s in the summer. Deal was agreed – honour it. To backtrack now looks very unprofessional. Feel sorry for the player.”
Whatever happens between now and the end of the campaign, the situation is completely unfair to Elliott, he has done absolutely nothing wrong.
He has too much talent to be rotting away on the bench, feeling unwanted by two clubs, and should be playing regularly to develop even further.
There needs to be a resolution reached in the near future, whether he is sent back to the Reds or they agree to waive the buy clause, as the current state of play is not benefiting anyone, and is harming the player’s career.