Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott is edging closer to a move to Aston Villa, with the two Premier League clubs in advanced discussions over a season-long loan that includes an obligation to make the transfer permanent next summer for £35 million.
The potential deal comes amid mounting pressure on Elliott to secure regular first-team football, which has been limited under Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
The 22-year-old England U21 international joined Liverpool from Fulham in 2019 and has since made 147 appearances for the club. During that time, he has been part of a trophy-laden period at Anfield, winning six major honours, including two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
Despite his successes, Elliott’s role this season has been largely peripheral, with limited opportunities to showcase his talent in the starting XI.
Elliott’s playing time has come under particular strain following the arrivals of high-profile players such as Florian Wirtz and, more recently, the imminent signing of Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
These additions have pushed the attacking midfielder further down the pecking order, leaving him to make only cameo appearances off the bench, including late contributions in Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United last week.
He was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday, highlighting the limited role he has played under Slot so far this season.
While Elliott has long been a Liverpool fan favourite, sources suggest he is increasingly aware that staying at Anfield may limit his development. He would prefer to remain with the club, but the reality of limited minutes has led him to consider a move that would offer more consistent game time in England’s top flight.
The midfielder is reportedly attracted to Emery’s project, which could provide him with a platform to rebuild his confidence and develop further while remaining in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
Reports suggest that while Liverpool had sought around £50 million for Elliott, the fee has now been reduced to £35 million, reflecting both the timing of the deal and Elliott’s contract situation, with just one year remaining on his Anfield deal next summer.
Earlier in the transfer window, German side RB Leipzig showed strong interest in Elliott, but a move to the Bundesliga failed to materialise. A renewed approach from Leipzig this week also did not progress
With the Premier League transfer deadline looming, talks are reportedly progressing quickly. For Elliott, the potential switch to Villa represents an opportunity to establish himself as a key player under a manager known for developing attacking talent, while continuing to compete in one of the most demanding leagues in the world.
