Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott finds himself at a pivotal career juncture, with his loan spell at Aston Villa having stalled and a potential move to Major League Soccer emerging as a viable alternative. The England Under-21 international has not featured for Villa since October, prompting former Liverpool star Danny Murphy to publicly urge the young talent to reconsider his options before the transfer window closes.
A Stalled Loan Spell at Villa Park
Elliott's temporary move to Aston Villa has not unfolded as anticipated. The 22-year-old secured a deadline day loan to Villa Park in August, following a brief substitute appearance for Liverpool against Newcastle earlier in the season. However, playing time has been scarce under manager Unai Emery, with Elliott's last competitive outing occurring in October.
The situation is complicated by a contractual clause that would obligate Aston Villa to pay £35 million to Liverpool should Elliott make ten appearances. Emery has openly admitted that Villa's reluctance to trigger this permanent transfer fee has influenced Elliott's limited involvement. "The problem we have with Harvey is this year he is on loan and in case he is playing matches, we must buy him," Emery stated in early January. "We decided two months ago we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we need."
Murphy's MLS Recommendation
With Elliott unable to play for a third European club this season due to FIFA regulations, a move to Major League Soccer represents a legitimate pathway for regular football. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has strongly advocated for this option, suggesting it could revitalise Elliott's campaign.
"Yes, I do think Harvey Elliott should really consider his options, even the MLS," Murphy told BestBettingSites.co.uk. "Harvey Elliott is a super talent. He's got a great attitude and we'll definitely see him playing in the Premier League and succeeding. It obviously hasn't worked at Villa, and sometimes that happens. A manager doesn't see you the same way you see yourself."
Murphy specifically pointed to competition for places at Villa, noting Elliott appears to be viewed primarily as a number 10, where he faces competition from Morgan Rogers and a resurgent Emi Buendía. The financial implications of bringing on a substitute with a £35 million clause further complicate his situation at the Midlands club.
Potential MLS Precedents
Should Elliott pursue an MLS move, he would follow several high-profile players who have made similar transitions. Wilfried Zaha joined Charlotte FC on loan in January 2025 after spells with Galatasaray and Lyon during the same campaign. Javier Hernández's move to LA Galaxy five years earlier followed limited minutes with West Ham and Sevilla in the first half of the 2019/20 season.
Reports in early January indicated Elliott was initially reluctant to consider a move to Charlotte FC, but with the transfer deadline approaching and his Villa prospects remaining limited, reconsideration appears necessary. His inclusion on the bench for Villa's recent victory at Newcastle has fuelled speculation that the clubs may be renegotiating terms, potentially removing the obligation to buy, though no confirmation has emerged.
A Career Crossroads
At just 22, Elliott faces a critical decision that could shape his development. Having already represented two Premier League clubs this season, his options within Europe's major leagues are restricted, making MLS or other leagues operating on different schedules his primary alternatives for competitive football this campaign.
Emery acknowledged the difficult situation, stating: "He is training every day, very good with us to help us in training and of course it is not good for him or good for us, but it is football and sometimes we must take decisions that are not good for us."
As the transfer window approaches its conclusion, Elliott must weigh Murphy's advice against his initial reservations, with regular playing time and career momentum hanging in the balance. The coming days will determine whether the talented midfielder remains in England, seeks a fresh start in America, or explores another unexpected pathway in his promising career.
