Simon Jordan has given a candid view on the future of one Liverpool midfielder, suggesting that it might be for the best if he moved on from Anfield.
Liverpool’s midfield rebuild is far from over as the squad continues to evolve under Arne Slot. The summer arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen has crowded the creative midfield space, resulting in even less game time for those outside the preferred eleven.
The Dutchman’s liking for more direct and vertical midfielders, alongside a tactical shift, has left one player wanting for game time after falling down the pecking order last campaign.
Harvey Elliot made 28 appearances for Liverpool during the 2024–25 season, but only two starts came in the Premier League. Elliot’s role has shifted noticeably compared to previous years under Jürgen Klopp, with head coach Arne Slot selecting Curtis Jones and Dominik Szboslai to play in the attacking central role, leaving he England U21 international operating largely from the bench or in domestic cup competition rotation.
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Crystal Palace chairman Jordan gave his perspective.
“With the players coming in, you wonder what Elliott’s pathway is now. If he wants to be starting every week — and he’s earned that right — then maybe it’s time to move.”
Jordan continued, pointing to Elliot’s drop in game time, suggesting that the writing might already be on the wall.
“He’s gone from playing 34, 36, then down to 18 games in a season. And Liverpool keep buying players in his position. If he’s not central now, when will he be?”
One Premier League club has closely been monitoring the situation and are now reported to be ‘very optimistic’ that they can land the 22-year-old.
Multiple sources indicate that West Ham United are leading the chase for Elliot, who returned to Merseyside later than most of his teammates after a glittering summer with England’s U21s. Elliott played a starring role in the Young Lions’ successful European Championship campaign, finishing the tournament with five goals and the Player of the Tournament award.
Yet, despite this resurgence on the international stage, the midfielder’s standing at Anfield remains uncertain. According to several figures familiar with the club’s thinking, this summer could represent a point for both player and club to part ways.
Internally, there’s a recognition that, while Elliott’s talent is undeniable, the Dutchman’s system may not be one where the former Fulham prodigy thrives week-in, week-out. His technical ceiling is high, but with the pace Slot wants to transition and the physical profile he’s prioritising in central areas, it’s clear he’s on the fringes.
West Ham boss Graham Potter, overseeing his first full summer in charge, has made Elliott a priority target as part of an attacking rebuild in East London.
Having sold Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham for £54.5 million, the Hammers are flush with funds and keen to reinvest in dynamic, ball-carrying midfielders. While Elliott’s asking price initially caused hesitation, there’s growing belief at the London Stadium that a structured deal could suit all parties.
Originally, the Reds were said to value the player at around £50 million, but it’s understood they would now entertain offers in the region of £30–40 million The Hammers are yet to submit a formal bid, but groundwork is being laid. Those familiar with the discussions believe a package worth around £35 million plus add-ons could satisfy both clubs.
Earlier this month, The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reported that Liverpool would be willing to sell their No. 19 for around £40 million if the deal included a buy-back clause. Such an agreement insures Liverpool to a point as they could feasibly either re-sign a player and add them back to the squad or sell them on again for a profit.
Though the England international did not feature in the Reds 3-1 win first pre-season friendly against Preston North End, his absence was unrelated to transfer negotiations. Having played deep into the summer with England, his extended break had been pre-planned.
However, the contrast was still noticeable. As fans got a first glimpse of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and others in red shirts, Elliott remained out of sight. His name, for now, missing from both the team sheet and the new manager’s tactical vision.
With two years left on a contract that sees him earn around £40,000 per week, Liverpool are under no rush or financial pressure to sell, but both club and player seem to acknowledge that this could be a defining window in his career.
With the Reds next pre-season fixture against AC Milan on July 26, the next few days could be pivotal. A resolution is unlikely to drag into August, and all indications suggest Liverpool will sanction a move but only if the structure is right and he pushes for an exit from Merseyside.
