Unai Emery shares fresh stance on Harvey Elliott amid new Aston Villa developments
Unai Emery has shared a new update on Harvey Elliott’s chances of staying at Aston Villa beyond the end of the 2025-26 season.
In November, Emery confirmed that Elliott would not be playing much due to a clause in the player’s contract, which would be triggered should he feature for too many minutes this season.
The 21-year-old has just one goal – in Villa’s 1-1 draw against Brentford in September – and had not been in the squad since November until being named on the bench against Newcastle United at the weekend.
Fans were hoping that the Liverpool gem would make an appearance at St James’ Park, but with the Villans picking up a 2-0 win against the Magpies, he was not needed at all.
His appearance on the bench created more questions about his potential future at Villa Park, but Emery has seemingly doubled down on his verdict surrounding the situation.
Unai Emery doubles down on Harvey Elliott saga
Elliott has been strongly linked with the MLS, and that could still happen in the summer. But right now, there are no signs that the 22-year-old’s current situation is going to change at all.
Speaking in his press conference, Emery doubled down on his stance, saying, “With Harvey (Elliott), it’s not changing. Our idea is that we spoke to him clearly. He’s a fantastic guy.
“On Sunday, he was on the bench, and if we needed some help from him, he was ready to do it. He is in the squad tomorrow. But the situation is not changing for him.”
It does appear that Elliott has a future at Anfield, either, with Arne Slot showing no signs of wanting to bring the midfielder into the frame next season. An exit abroad is beckoning.
Aston Villa handed a double blow in the middle of the park
Some supporters would have expected the Liverpool loanee to be called upon after being handed a variety of new and frustrating injuries. Yet, he didn’t make it off the bench.
Emery was already without Boubacar Kamara until the end of the season, and the Frenchman has now been joined by Youri Tielemans and John McGinn, with Ross Barkley still sidelined.
However, the Villans are about to add Douglas Luiz to the squad, with Tammy Abraham already announced as further reinforcement in the final third for the second half of the campaign.
If Emery is to continue his title charge, alongside Champions League football, he will need as much help as possible, especially as his team keeps being hit with new and frustrating injury blows.