Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on a loan deal as the transfer window closed on deadline day. The transfer was overshadowed by other high-profile transfers, such as those of Marc Guéhi and Alexander Isak.
The U21 English international was thriving under Jürgen Klopp. Elliott would’ve been part of the English squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers only if he had had the opportunity to prove himself day in and day out.
Unfortunately, under Arne Slot, the Englishman seems to have fallen out of favour at Anfield. Despite showing willingness to fight, at this point, the 22-year-old midfielder chose to focus on his international career.
Another season in Merseyside would’ve jeopardised his chances with the Three Lions. As the FIFA World Cup is being held next year in the United States, a move away was a smart choice to prove his mettle.
Staying at Anfield meant fighting for a spot against the likes of Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old German is already an established international for Die Nationalelf.
Now at Aston Villa, the Englishman will be focusing on cementing himself under Unai Emery. The loan leads to an obligation to buy, which Villa will be using in the upcoming summer.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
RB Leipzig’s lowball deal for Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott hasn’t been the same at Liverpool since Klopp’s departure (Credits: Imago Images)
Interestingly, despite being underwhelming under Arne Slot, Elliott was pulling interest from Germany. RB Leipzig was trying to rope in the defender, but a lowball offer prompted Liverpool to end talks.
The Reds had rated their player at around £50m. Aston Villa came along and made a deal to pay 70% of that price at £35m. Although it is still a loan deal, an obligation to buy confirms the profits in Liverpool’s books. The Villa deal was structured in a way to go around the PSR regulations, considering Villa’s situation.
However, Elliott needs to make at least 10 appearances for The Lions to trigger the clause. Unai Emery is expected to use him as much as possible, and the conditions won’t be met only when the player sustains a long-term injury.
Leipzig, on the other hand, was only willing to pay around a measly £17.3m, reports The Athletic. Elliott was expected to be a replacement for Xavi Simons, who left for rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Liverpool still have a re-sign clause in the player’s contract. This allows the club to buy him back at a set price during a set period of time.
