Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC is reportedly preparing a bold move to rescue Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott from his frustrating season in limbo.
A Season Stalled for the Young Midfielder
The 22-year-old Englishman, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has found himself frozen out of manager Unai Emery's plans. Having featured in just two matches for Liverpool and five for Villa this campaign, Elliott faces the prospect of watching the remainder of the season from the stands. Aston Villa could theoretically cut his loan short, but a return to Anfield also appears unlikely under new head coach Arne Slot, evidenced by the absence of a recall clause in his contract.
The MLS Loophole and Charlotte's Advantage
Due to FIFA regulations, Elliott is now prohibited from playing for any other European club this season. However, a switch to the United States' MLS represents a viable and legal pathway back to regular football. According to reports from the Daily Mail Sport, Charlotte FC has secured the discovery rights to the England Under-21 international and is poised to offer him that crucial platform.
The North Carolina club believes its strong British connections, notably through head coach Dean Smith – the former Aston Villa boss – and general manager Zoran Krneta, have positioned them as frontrunners for his signature.
The Persuasion Pitch: World Cup Spotlight and Weekly Football
Club officials understand that Elliott's preference would be to remain playing in the Premier League. Their hope is that the unique opportunity to play consistently in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will prove persuasive. They aim to convince the player that a move to Charlotte would keep him firmly in the spotlight, with his arrival expected to generate significant excitement and media attention.
The final decision now hinges on crucial talks between Aston Villa, Liverpool, and the player's representatives. All parties must determine if a solution can be found regarding his immediate playing time. Should those discussions fail to provide a clear path, Elliott may view the Charlotte proposal as his best short-term option to revive his season before reassessing his long-term future in the summer.
