Villa and Liverpool weigh Harvey Elliott recall as stalled loan triggers January dilemma

Harvey Elliott
December 2025

Harvey Elliott’s season-long loan at Aston Villa has stalled badly, with the midfielder limited to a single Premier League start and excluded from the last seven league matchday squads, putting pressure on Liverpool to consider recalling him before a purchase clause activates. A £35m mandatory buy clause kicks in at 10 appearances, but Emery’s selections and Villa’s strong form have squeezed Elliott out, prompting frank talks between coach, player and both clubs as they search for a solution that guarantees him regular minutes, at Villa Park or elsewhere.