Aston Villa are watching the minutes on Harvey Elliott’s contract, and the numbers don’t look good. Journalist Harry Watkison has reported that the club included a conditional purchase clause worth £35 million, and the clause will activate only if the midfielder makes at least five Premier League appearances.
He has made four so far, but with just 96 minutes in total, Emery appears reluctant to risk a fifth. Villa recruited him late in the transfer window, hoping he could reinforce their push for Champions League qualification while offering depth in Europe.
Aston Villa will allow Harvey Elliott to leave for Liverpool
However, despite arriving with high expectations from Liverpool, he stalled quickly during his loan spell, and his performances haven’t made the kind of impact Villa wanted.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool hierarchy face their own dilemma. Florian Wirtz’s expensive transfer hasn’t brought any real value, and his current injury absence could allow Elliott to play a role in the second half of the season.
Liverpool could even look to sell him if Arne Slot sticks to his position beyond January, although any managerial shift might give Elliott another chance. Emery has stated he remains hopeful that the 22-year-old can contribute, but he has also hinted that others have moved ahead of him. Consequently, a winter recall appears increasingly likely.
Will it be the right decision?
From Villa’s perspective, not triggering the clause looks sensible. The team operate at high intensity, using midfielders who influence the build-up play over long spells. Elliott has yet to show the control or physical reliability Emery usually demands from his attackers.
Villa’s momentum relies on players who immediately tune into the tactical flow and remain dependable in close games. So it makes sense to save money, considering the marginal contribution so far.
Instead of gambling on long-term potential while they are still in the Champions League race, they appear focused on those already delivering. If the Lions allow the Englishman to leave, it will help keep the squad balanced and will look wiser than pushing a move that he hasn’t justified on the pitch.
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