Does Elliott have a Liverpool future after latest omission?
Harvey Elliott's future at Liverpool looks increasingly uncertain after being left out of the squad against Newcastle, with a move before the transfer window closes now seen as likely.
Just under a month ago in New York, Harvey Elliott spoke openly about the difficult loan spell he endured at Aston Villa last season and how this summer felt like a fresh chance to prove himself at Liverpool. His visible joy coming off the bench against Monaco, met with applause from all sides of Anfield, showed how much the club still means to him.
With many senior players away, Elliott started Liverpool's pre-season friendlies in Nashville and against Wrexham in New York under new head coach Andoni Iraola. But once World Cup players returned to training, his position in the squad became less certain, and on the opening weekend of the Premier League season he was left out entirely for the trip to Newcastle.
Liverpool have received no offers for Elliott, and his absence from the squad was not related to a transfer or an injury. With his contract expiring next summer, the 23-year-old midfielder needs regular first-team football somewhere, or risks another wasted season. While in the US, Elliott said he would speak to Iraola at the right time, stressing the need to be "selfish" about decisions affecting his career. He was named player of the tournament when England Under-21s won the European Championship in 2025.
A difficult year at Villa
Last season, Elliott made only nine appearances and played 277 minutes for Aston Villa, after the club chose not to trigger an obligation to sign him permanently from Liverpool for £35m. Villa boss Unai Emery called the situation "embarrassing" for everyone involved, though Elliott remained professional throughout and returned to Liverpool a week early for pre-season. Iraola praised his attitude, noting how difficult the previous season had been for him.
Elliott joined Villa last summer seeking more playing time after starting just one Premier League match during Liverpool's title-winning 2024-25 campaign. With a week left in the transfer window and further attacking signings expected at Anfield, a move to a lower-placed Premier League club or abroad may now be his best option. Across all competitions for Liverpool, he has scored 15 goals and provided 21 assists.
