Unai Emery has urged Liverpool to change the terms of Harvey Elliott’s loan deal at Aston Villa, admitting the current situation is “damaging” for the player.
Elliott, 22, joined Villa on loan at the end of last summer in an agreement that would become permanent once he makes 10 appearances. But after featuring in five early matches, he then went almost four months without playing again, only recently returning for a couple of outings.
Emery has already explained that his reluctance to use Elliott regularly is linked to the structure of the deal, with Villa not intending to sign him permanently. Speaking on Friday, the Spaniard said the current arrangement is unfair and called on Liverpool to remove or adjust the clauses so Elliott can play more freely for the rest of the season.
“We have been fair because there are two ways. One way is sport, the second is business,” Emery said. “My sport decision is still there – you are deserving to play, we need your qualities… but in this case, the clauses are still there. Now it is Liverpool, they have the key.”
Emery also revealed that both clubs had discussed altering the agreement months ago, but no breakthrough was reached. He stressed that Elliott needs game time and admitted Villa’s position is hurting the midfielder’s development.
“We were speaking about it but not now… It will be fair for him,” he added. “Of course, he must play… I know we are damaging him.”
At the moment, the situation benefits nobody — especially Elliott. Ending the loan early has reportedly never been realistic due to termination costs, while Liverpool are said to have no interest in recalling him.
That leaves two possible solutions: Villa must start using Elliott more often, or both clubs must return to the negotiating table and revise the appearance clause that triggers a permanent move.
Unless the deal is changed, Elliott’s chances of getting consistent minutes at Villa appear slim, despite Emery’s recent willingness to give him more opportunities.
