Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott reflects on Aston Villa loan spell

By Amelia Stockwell — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has described his recent loan period at Aston Villa as a challenging experience, but he now sees it as an opportunity for a fresh start with his boyhood club. Elliott, 23, spent the previous season on loan at Villa, a move he initially believed would offer him consistent playing time.

During his time at Villa, Elliott played a total of 277 minutes across all competitions in the 2025-26 season. The loan agreement included a clause that would have made the move permanent for £35 million if he had made 10 Premier League appearances. However, Villa’s manager decided against triggering this clause, leading to Elliott receiving limited playing opportunities.

Return to Liverpool and new opportunities

Elliott has since returned to Liverpool and has participated in pre-season friendlies against Sunderland and Wrexham. He expressed his deep affection for the club, stating that wearing the kit again is a unique feeling and a fulfilment of a childhood dream. He aims to secure a place in the squad under the new head coach, Andoni Iraola.

The midfielder acknowledged that his previous season did not unfold as he had hoped. He had sought a new challenge to develop as a player, but the situation at Villa did not work out. Despite the difficulties, he views his return to Liverpool as a “second chance,” particularly with the arrival of Iraola and the new coaching staff.

Elliott admitted that the lack of playing time at Villa was mentally taxing. He described training all week without playing as a difficult experience he would not wish upon any other player. However, he holds no ill will towards Villa, stating that the club was apologetic about the situation.

Future at Anfield

The midfielder mentioned that he was able to navigate the challenging period and even achieved something historic at the end of the season by winning the Europa League, which he considers a valuable addition to his CV. He respects Villa and wishes them well, but his current focus is on establishing himself at Liverpool.

Elliott’s future at Liverpool will largely depend on his standing within Iraola’s plans. Pre-season matches are providing him with an opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities. He noted that Iraola and his coaching staff have been very clear about their expectations.

While he is currently giving his all to impress, Elliott remains uncertain about what the future holds regarding his position at the club. He plans to have a detailed conversation with the manager when the time is appropriate to discuss his options, which could involve fighting for his place or potentially seeking opportunities elsewhere. He has been linked with potential moves to clubs including Leeds, Sunderland, and RB Leipzig.

Elliott conveyed his happiness to be back at Liverpool, expressing that he has been smiling since his first day back at the AXA Training Centre. He does not want to take these moments for granted, especially after believing last season might have been his last opportunity to play for the club.

He feels he has not yet shown his full potential and believes it will take some time to reach his best form due to his limited playing time last season. Elliott emphasized the importance of being cautious with his future decisions, ensuring he does what is best for his career.

Elliott’s comments came after Liverpool’s 1-0 friendly victory over Wrexham in New York.

Source: nytimes.com