Exclusive: John Barnes Encourages Harvey Elliott to Depart Liverpool Soon
When Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan for the season, complete with a £35m obligation to buy, it was perceived as a smart move for everyone involved. However, the midfielder’s situation has not unfolded as anticipated, with Elliott only featuring in eight matches this season—just two of which occurred in the last three months.
Unfortunately, the obligation to purchase Elliott only takes effect after he has made ten Premier League appearances. Since he has already played twice for Liverpool at the season’s outset, he cannot sign with another European club, even if his loan at Villa Park were to end prematurely.
Thus, Elliott finds his career in a precarious position. With the transfer window closing soon, it appears unlikely that Liverpool will recall the 21-year-old this month.
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Liverpool legend John Barnes shared his insights on Elliott’s predicament in an exclusive interview with Anfield Index.
Photo: IMAGO
Barnes: Harvey Elliott ‘Isn’t the Solution’ for Liverpool
“It’s going to be challenging for Harvey Elliott to carve out a regular spot in this Liverpool lineup,” Barnes remarked. “He shouldn’t be starting ahead of others in his position and is further down the lineup.”
“I think Harvey needs to find a permanent club; he’s been around for some time, and returning to Liverpool to warm the bench is not the answer,” Barnes continued. “He won’t get the chance to demonstrate his abilities without consistent playing time.”
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“Perhaps he should consider teams like Bournemouth or Brighton, instead of aiming for one of the top five or six clubs, so he can get his career back on track through regular play.”
Looking Ahead
As it stands, Elliott is set to start over from scratch in the summer. He will return to Liverpool, where it’s evident he does not fit into Arne Slot’s plans.
The primary concern is the state of Elliott’s confidence and fitness by then. With undeniable talent and potential, numerous clubs are likely to be interested in acquiring him.
However, it’s unlikely that Liverpool will be able to recoup the £35m initially linked to his loan deal with Aston Villa, which adds to the frustration for the club.