Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has hinted that the club faces a crucial decision regarding Harvey Elliott's future when the January transfer window opens, with the Liverpool loanee struggling for game time at Villa Park.
The playing time dilemma
The 22-year-old midfielder has made just five appearances for Villa since his deadline day arrival on a season-long loan deal. Elliott's situation has become increasingly concerning as he's been excluded from the matchday squad for Aston Villa's last four Premier League fixtures.
While he was ineligible to face his parent club Liverpool, the England youth international was also notably absent from squads that took on Manchester City, Bournemouth, and Leeds United. Most tellingly, 18-year-old George Hemmings was preferred over Elliott for Villa's recent visit to Elland Road.
The £35 million clause
Complicating matters is a significant financial clause in Elliott's loan agreement. According to reports from Liverpool.com, Aston Villa would be obligated to pay £35 million to make Elliott's move permanent should he reach 10 appearances for the club.
This substantial financial commitment has sparked speculation that Emery might be deliberately limiting Elliott's minutes amid doubts about whether the midfielder represents worthwhile long-term value for the Midlands club.
Emery's explanation
When questioned about Elliott's limited opportunities and potential future at Villa Park, Emery provided a measured response. "We now have a lot of matches," the Spanish tactician stated. "We must focus on each match with the players we have now. We are not thinking about the transfer window in January."
Emery did offer some encouragement, adding: "He is one of our players, and hopefully he can help us. Then, we are going to decide."
Pressed further on what Elliott must do to earn more playing time, Emery pointed to competition within the squad as the primary factor. "Firstly, there are other players performing very well. This is the first argument of why he is not playing. He is training very well every day," Emery explained.
Proven pedigree versus current reality
Elliott's current situation at Villa Park contrasts sharply with his credentials. The midfielder boasts an impressive 149 appearances for Liverpool and was part of the teams that clinched Premier League titles in 2020 and 2025.
His trophy cabinet from his time at Anfield also includes two Carabao Cups and an FA Cup, demonstrating his experience at the highest level of English football.
Villa now face a hectic schedule with six games in just 17 days, culminating in a Premier League showdown with Manchester United before the festive period. This packed fixture list could potentially provide opportunities for Elliott to prove his worth to Emery.
Attention now turns to Villa's next match against Young Boys in the Europa League, where it remains to be seen if Elliott will feature. The club's following Premier League encounter sees them host West Midlands rivals Wolves at Villa Park on Sunday.
