Former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson has issued a stark recommendation to Harvey Elliott: terminate his troubled loan spell at Aston Villa and fight for his future at Anfield this January.
A Loan Move Gone Wrong
The 22-year-old midfielder's switch to Villa Park on summer deadline day, which included an option for a permanent £35 million transfer, has spectacularly unravelled. The agreement stipulated that the clause would become active once Elliott made 10 appearances for Unai Emery's side.
After a handful of early-season outings, Elliott's involvement has ground to a complete halt. His last action for Villa was a mere four-minute cameo against Feyenoord in the Europa League on 2 October. Since then, he has been a peripheral figure, often omitted from matchday squads entirely.
Villa's Calculated Decision
This exclusion is a deliberate strategy, as confirmed by manager Unai Emery this week. The Spaniard revealed the club decided "months ago" not to pursue a permanent deal for Elliott. Emery was clear that the player's attitude and training application are not in question; the sole reason is to prevent the activation of the expensive purchase option.
This leaves all parties—player, Liverpool, and Aston Villa—in a complex and unsatisfactory position as the winter window opens. Complicating matters further, the loan deal is reported to contain no recall clause. Any early return to Merseyside would likely require the agreement to be torn up, potentially involving financial penalties.
A Transfer Limbo with Few Exits
Elliott's options are severely limited by FIFA regulations. Having already played for both Liverpool and Villa this season, he is barred from registering for a third club in European football. This rules out another loan move within England or Europe. His only potential avenue for a January switch would be to a league operating on a different calendar, such as Major League Soccer in the United States.
On the pitch, Liverpool's own circumstances have shifted. A spate of injuries has stretched their attacking resources, potentially opening a door for minutes. Mohamed Salah is at the Africa Cup of Nations, while summer signing Alexander Isak is sidelined long-term.
The Call to Return and Fight
For David Thompson, who made over 50 appearances for Liverpool, the path is clear. With Elliott's hopes of forcing his way into the World Cup squad effectively over after his Villa stagnation, the focus must return to club football.
"I think they should rip up the contract, the agreement with Villa and go back and play," Thompson stated on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast. "Because ultimately he only left because he wanted to prove himself and try and get in the World Cup squad. But it has not worked out... He needs to go back to Liverpool."
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Elliott sees out a frustrating season on the sidelines at Villa Park or heeds the advice to return to his parent club and reignite his career at Anfield.
