Exclusive: John Barnes Advises Harvey Elliott to Leave Liverpool Promptly
When Harvey Elliott made the move to Aston Villa on loan for the season, with a £35m obligation to buy, it was generally viewed as a positive decision for everyone involved.
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However, the situation hasn’t unfolded as hoped, with the midfielder appearing in only eight matches this season. Notably, just two of those appearances have occurred in the last three months.
Complicating matters, the obligation to purchase Elliott becomes valid only after he plays ten Premier League matches.
Having already played for Liverpool twice at the beginning of the season, Elliott is ineligible to join another European club this year, even if his loan at Villa Park were to be terminated early.
As a result, Elliott finds his career in a precarious position. With only a few days remaining in the January transfer window, it seems unlikely Liverpool will recall the 21-year-old this month.
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Liverpool legend John Barnes shared his insights on Elliott’s current situation in an exclusive conversation with Anfield Index.
Photo: IMAGO
‘Harvey Elliott Isn’t the Answer’ for Liverpool
“It’s going to be challenging for Harvey Elliott to secure a starting position in this Liverpool setup,” Barnes commented. “He shouldn’t be ahead of anyone in his position, and he finds himself lower in the pecking order.”
“I believe Harvey needs to find a permanent club; he’s been around long enough, and returning to Liverpool just to sit on the bench won’t benefit him,” Barnes added. “He needs regular playing time to prove himself.”
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“He might want to consider a club like Bournemouth or Brighton, rather than aiming for one of the top five or six teams, to get his career back on track through consistent play.”
Looking Ahead
As things stand, Elliott would essentially be starting over in the summer. He will be back at Liverpool, where it’s evident he is not part of Arne Slot’s plans.
The critical question is how his confidence and fitness will be when he returns. Elliott certainly possesses significant talent and potential, attracting interest from various clubs.
However, it’s uncertain whether Liverpool will be able to recover the £35m initially included in the loan arrangement with Aston Villa. This uncertainty brings a degree of frustration for Liverpool.