Liverpool to make Harvey Elliott recall decision after Aston Villa latest
Liverpool could opt to recall Harvey Elliott from his loan at Aston Villa in January after Unai Emery seemingly doesn’t seem him as part of his first team.
When Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan last summer, there was a sense of optimism for the Englishman of making a significant impact ahead of the World Cup.
Yet, it is now looking more and more likely that Elliott has played his last game for Aston Villa with Emery reluctant to give him any minutes even off the bench.
Sources told Football Insider on 28 October that Elliott would struggle to force his way into the Aston Villa starting XI, and that has been the case with his last appearance coming at the start of October.
Appearance obligation behind Elliott axe as ‘possibility’ of January return on the cards
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Reds are strongly considering a recall for the 22-year-old.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that Liverpool regret loaning Elliott to Aston Villa, and they now look to rectify that error.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “There’s a possibility he could go back [in January].
“I’m sure like most of these loan deals, there will be a break clause in it for both clubs to reassess it.
“It’s pretty clear that this loan move is not going to plan for Harvey Elliott or Aston Villa right now.
“It’s not ideal for Villa, it’s not ideal for Liverpool and it’s definitely not ideal for Harvey Elliott who went to Villa in search of regular minutes.
“This sort of boosted his aspirations of trying to break into England’s squad, which looks further and further away now with his lack of action for Villa.
“I’m sure both clubs will look at it. Obviously there’s rumours, there’s obligation in the contract that it becomes a permanent deal if he makes 10 appearances.
“He’s only made five so far and it does seem that he’s well down the pecking order in Unai Emery’s plan.
“So Liverpool could potentially recall him and involve him in Arne Slot’s plans for the second half of the season.”
Liverpool may put Elliott return on hold if defender priority not sorted
Although Slot will be disappointed with the 22-year-old’s lack of game time, there will be other fires to put out in the squad ahead of the next transfer window.
Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that signing a defender is Liverpool’s top priority in January, given their weaknesses at the back.
Bayern Munich could beat Liverpool to Nico Schlotterbeck which may push the Dutchman to consider alternative options.