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 Sour
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 unravelled dramatically. Initially promising under Unai Emery, Elliott's involvement has dwindled to nothing since early October.
His last competitive action for Villa was a mere four-minute cameo against Feyenoord in the Europa League on October 2. Since then, he has been a sporadic figure on the bench, often omitted from the matchday squad entirely.
The £35 Million Clause and Emery's Admission
The crux of the issue is a specific clause in the loan agreement. Aston Villa would be obligated to purchase Elliott for £35 million if he made ten appearances. Emery confirmed this week that the club decided "months ago" not to trigger that permanent move.
The manager clarified that Elliott's exile is not a reflection of his training efforts, but a deliberate strategy to avoid activating the expensive buy clause. This leaves the player, and both clubs, in a highly awkward position with the winter window now open.
A Tangled Web with Few Exits
Complicating any resolution is the reported lack of a recall clause in the loan deal. For Elliott to return to Liverpool this month, the agreement would likely need a mutual termination, potentially involving financial penalties.
Furthermore, FIFA regulations block a move to a third club this season, as Elliott has already played for two: Liverpool and Aston Villa. His only potential escape route would be a switch to a league like the MLS, which operates on a different calendar.
David Thompson, who made over 50 appearances for Liverpool, believes the young midfielder must seize the initiative. "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.
He argued that Elliott's primary motive for the loan—to stake a claim for a World Cup squad place—has evaporated, and his best chance of competitive football now lies at his parent club.
Liverpool's Context: An Opportunity Awaits?
Back at Anfield, circumstances may have shifted. Liverpool's attacking resources have been stretched by injuries, including a long-term issue for summer signing Alexander Isak. Mohamed Salah is also currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
While Elliott was seemingly out of favour with head coach Arne Slot last summer, the current squad challenges could open a door for a motivated returnee to prove his worth in the second half of the season.
