Harvey Elliott is back at Liverpool for pre-season training this week, and new head coach Andoni Iraola has sent a clear message: everyone starts with a clean slate. The 23-year-old midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, is among several first-team players returning from injury at the AXA Training Centre.
Iraola's Fresh Start for All Players
Iraola, who took over as Liverpool head coach this summer, was at the training ground on Tuesday to assess his squad. Alongside Elliott, Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni were all present as they continue their rehabilitation. The Basque coach has emphasised that every player will be given an equal opportunity to make an impact.
Speaking in his first interview as Liverpool boss, Iraola said: "For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings. For me, you are all new signings and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and [I'm] really looking forward to working with them."
Elliott's Liverpool Journey
Elliott was a regular under former manager Jurgen Klopp, making 53 appearances in the 2022-23 season and 46 in 2023-24. However, under Arne Slot in 2024-25, his game time dropped significantly to just 28 appearances. Despite winning the Premier League title under Slot, Elliott was loaned to Aston Villa in September 2025 with a £35 million obligation to buy, conditional on him playing 10 Premier League matches. He made only nine appearances for Villa and was often left out of the squad.
Now back at Liverpool, Elliott is determined to prove his worth. Iraola hinted that the midfielder could play a key role, particularly with Mohamed Salah's departure next season. "We've analysed Liverpool a lot – possible weaknesses, the strengths," Iraola added. "I think we have a very good squad. I think there is still work to do, like normally in every club in this moment of the season. But right now, for me the thing is to value especially the players that we have right now in the squad."
Emotional Connection to the Club
Elliott has consistently expressed his deep attachment to Liverpool. When leaving for Villa, he wrote an emotional farewell message: "When I joined Liverpool in 2019 it was a dream come true for me and my family. As a young child I travelled the world supporting the team as a fan and words will never be able to explain the feeling I had when I pulled on that famous red shirt for the first time as a player."
In a 2022 interview with the club's official website, he said: "There's no better place to be [than Liverpool]. It feels like my second home, to say the least, and every time I come here, it's always a buzz, whether it was a fan, or as a player now. It gets better and better every time you see it."
What Elliott Brings to the Squad
With Liverpool looking to rebuild their midfield and forward line, Elliott offers valuable experience, versatility in central positions, and an attacking threat from the right flank. His return could be crucial as the Reds prepare for the new season under Iraola's leadership.
