Liverpool face a pivotal period as the January transfer window opens, with two significant issues coming to the fore: the stalled loan of midfielder Harvey Elliott and a glaring lack of attacking creativity in the absence of star forward Mohamed Salah.
Harvey Elliott's Villa Nightmare Sparks Recall Calls
Former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson has publicly advised Harvey Elliott to seek a return to Anfield this month. The 22-year-old's season-long loan at Aston Villa has turned into a disaster, with his last appearance being a mere four-minute cameo in the Europa League back on October 2.
Unai Emery, the Villa manager, confirmed that the club decided "months ago" not to trigger the £35 million permanent purchase clause, which would have been activated after ten appearances. Thompson believes Elliott is now in a difficult position and should fight for his future at Liverpool.
"I think they should rip up the contract, the agreement with Villa and go back and play," Thompson stated on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast. "Because ultimately he only left because he wanted to prove himself... But it has not worked out."
The situation is complicated by FIFA regulations. Having already played for Liverpool and Villa this season, Elliott cannot register for a third club, ruling out another loan move. A permanent transfer to a league like the MLS, operating on a different calendar, is his only other potential destination if the loan is terminated.
Michael Owen Identifies Major Salah Problem
Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has pinpointed a severe creativity problem plaguing Arne Slot's side, exacerbated by the absence of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward is currently on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Owen's criticism followed Liverpool's goalless draw with Leeds United at Anfield on New Year's Day, a match where the Reds managed just four shots on target. He warned against any notion that the club could easily move on from their top scorer.
"Look at that team today... you’ve got a right wing-back (Jeremie Frimpong) playing in place of Mo Salah at the moment," Owen said. "It just shows you people saying Salah should have been dropped or sold – I mean, that’s them without Mo Salah."
The statistics underline the issue. Liverpool's total of 30 goals at this stage of the season is their worst in a decade, dating back to the early days of Jurgen Klopp's tenure. Owen highlighted a lack of urgency and clear goalscorers in the squad without Salah, who has been the club's leading marksman for the past eight consecutive seasons.
What Happens Next for Liverpool?
The convergence of these two problems presents a dual challenge for manager Arne Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy. The immediate focus is on Sunday's Premier League fixture against Fulham, where the Reds will aim to extend an unbeaten league run stretching back to the end of November.
Longer-term, decisions must be made. The club must navigate Elliott's complicated contractual situation, potentially involving negotiations with Aston Villa. More broadly, the team's performance without Salah has starkly illustrated his irreplaceable value, casting a shadow over any speculation about his future at the club.
As the January window progresses, how Liverpool address these twin concerns—a misfiring loan and a toothless attack—could define the second half of their season.
