Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Wed 8 April 2026 14:30, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Harvey Elliott is just months away from the end of what has been a nightmare season on loan at Aston Villa.

The midfielder was signed from Liverpool on transfer deadline day on loan with an obligation to buy, reportedly worth around £35million.

But with seven Premier League games remaining, Elliott has appeared in just five of them, making nine appearances across all competitions.

The 23-year-old’s first start had seen him score against Brentford in the Carabao Cup, but that would be one of just three games he has started all season.

Villa transfer chiefs reportedly attempted to find a solution in January, but Elliott was ultimately forced to see out the season.

Harvey Elliott to explore fresh start

Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Villa have no intention of signing Elliott, even at a cut-price fee this summer.

Although an obligation to buy was inserted into the deal, it is reportedly subject to a minimum number of games.

There has been speculation that Emery has been preventing the midfielder from reaching that number, although the true reason for his treatment is still unclear.

The Spaniard has repeatedly stated that tactical reasons are behind Elliott’s lack of minutes, but this has become increasingly hard to believe as the season has progressed.

Elliott was just 18 when he became one of New Balance‘s rising stars, adorning the Furon boots as he took his first steps at Liverpool.

The 2022-23 season saw the London-born talent become a regular for Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, scoring his first Premier League and Champions League goals.

The following season saw that progress extend, Elliott hitting double digits for assists for the first time in his career.

The last two seasons have seen the 23-year-old handed adversity – despite him scoring the winner away at PSG, Arne Slot was not as keen to utilise the midfielder, and Emery has clearly shared a similar opinion.

But make no mistake, Elliott is just waiting for his time to shine. He is not the type of talent to give up under the doubt of a manager.

• You can wear the Furon like Elliott, or other boots in New Balance’s collection, by clicking here.

Where next for Elliott?

If there is one thing for sure, it is that a New Balance star cannot be kept down for long.

The likes of West Ham and Brighton were interested in Elliott before Villa swooped in, and there will always be suitors for a talent of his pedigree.

But the 23-year-old’s options will not be confined to the Premier League, and a move abroad could be the route he chooses to take.

Despite what has happened at Villa Park, the midfielder’s talent cannot be called into question. It would be hard to say he was even given a chance under Emery.

With the right manager overseeing his development, Elliott’s career will be back on track in no time, and a drive to prove his doubters wrong will be first on the menu.