‘You’re too good’ – Liverpool star reacts to Harvey Elliott’s message
Harvey Elliott’s future is still up in the air at Anfield despite his starring role in back-to-back friendly wins over Athletic Bilbao.
Arne Slot made use of Elliott for just 822 minutes across his 28 appearances in all competitions last season, amounting to just over nine games worth of full 90-minute performances for the midfielder.
Elliott still managed five goals and three assists for Liverpool despite that limited game-time, and the 22-year-old’s displays for England in their Under-21 Euros success have resulted in further transfer interest.
Liverpool have set out a plan to sell Elliott, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez in order to fund the £130million signing of Alexander Isak, and may now accelerate that plan with Diaz already sold on to Bayern Munich.
Elliott sends reminder to Arne Slot in Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao
A host of Premier League and European clubs have declared interest in Elliott this summer and Brighton had emerged as the front-runners to sign him, with Liverpool keen to bring in a figure of at least £40m.
Elliott has remained a constant in Liverpool’s pre-season plans despite the ongoing speculation over his future though, and came to the fore in the first of their back-to-back friendlies against Athletic Bilbao.
A makeshift Liverpool side featuring half of Slot’s first-team squad beat Athletic 4-1 on Monday before a 3-2 win immediately afterwards, and Elliott netted their fourth goal in the 58th minute to seal the result.
At full-time, Elliott posted on Instagram (4 August) with a ‘heart’ emoji and images of his celebration after what could potentially be his last goal at Anfield should Liverpool‘s transfer plans come to fruition.
A number of Reds players commented on Elliott’s post, with academy graduate Tyler Morton saying; “too good mate” to Elliott.
Elliott exit looms as Liverpool step up Alexander Isak chase
Football Insider Verdict
Elliott could well be the last domino to fall in Liverpool’s massive rebuild this summer, particularly if Al-Hilal complete a big-money move for Darwin Nunez which could accelerate the Reds’ pursuit of Isak.
Isak has emerged as Liverpool’s top transfer target despite the £69m acquisition of Hugo Ekitike just days ago, and the Newcastle United striker’s record-breaking move may not hinge on Elliott after all.
Liverpool fans want to see Elliott sold for well over £50m after his displays for England this summer, and with several clubs in a potential bidding war for the midfielder, Elliott’s saga is one which could run very late into the transfer window