Harvey Elliott's disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa could be cut short with a surprise move to Major League Soccer in the United States.
Villa Loan Spell Turns Sour
The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined Villa on loan from Liverpool last summer, has barely featured under manager Unai Emery. This comes after Elliott was the star of the tournament for England's victorious Under-21 European Championship side, which initially prompted speculation about his future at Anfield.
His lack of game time in the Midlands is particularly notable given a reported clause in the loan deal. A £35 million permanent transfer would be triggered if he plays ten Premier League games for Villa, a situation which appears to have contributed to his exclusion from the team.
Charlotte FC Emerge as Shock Suitors
According to reports, MLS outfit Charlotte FC are now ready to offer Elliott an escape route. The American club, managed by former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, have secured the discovery rights for the England youth international.
Charlotte's general manager Zoran Krneta also has strong connections in the UK, which the club believes will aid their pursuit. With Elliott having already played for Liverpool and Villa this season, he is ineligible to feature for another European club, making a transatlantic switch a viable, if unexpected, option.
Weighing Up a Transatlantic Move
Elliott's preference was understood to be remaining in the Premier League, but with that looking increasingly unlikely, he is now considering the potential benefits of a move to the USA. A key factor is the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in North America. Elliott is reportedly aware that his arrival could generate significant attention in the build-up to the tournament.
Any move is likely to be a short-term solution until the summer, allowing the player to reassess his career options. He was previously linked with a move to German side RB Leipzig, a path that has benefited other English players in recent years.
Emery has publicly addressed Elliott's situation, stating: "He is on loan playing with us, but he is not definitely adding to us with a permanent contract. Hopefully we can get the best for him and the best for us."
The playmaker, once tipped for huge things after being signed by Jurgen Klopp from Fulham, now faces a critical decision as he seeks to reignite his club career after shining on the international stage.
