Liverpool Confirm Late £35m Deadline Day Move | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott Seals Aston Villa Move as Liverpool Reshuffle Continues

Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder Harvey Elliott has left Anfield to join Aston Villa on a season-long loan. The agreement contains an obligation to buy in the summer of 2026, with the overall package worth around $47 million (£35 million).

Elliott’s Desire for Regular Football

The 22-year-old pushed for a move after finding minutes limited during Arne Slot’s debut season as Liverpool manager. Elliott has been clear throughout the summer that he wanted to secure a platform to play regularly and strengthen his case for inclusion in England’s World Cup squad next year.

Elliott told The Anfield Wrap in July:“If I had it my way, I would be here for the rest of my career, it’s as simple as that. I love everything about the club, but at the same time, I kind of need to be selfish and see what’s best for me. I have big ambitions. I want to get in the World Cup squad. I want to keep being successful as a player. It’s something I still need to review. I need to have a talk with everyone and review the situation. We have many new players who have come in, so whether it blocks the path for me, I’m not sure. It’s something I need to have a look at and decide.”

That review has now concluded with a move to Villa Park, where he will work under Unai Emery. Aston Villa confirmed in a club statement: “The 22-year-old joins the club on an initial season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy conditional on appearances.”

Liverpool Career and Contributions

Since signing from Fulham, Elliott made 149 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 15 goals and providing 17 assists. His exit includes buy-back and sell-on clauses, reflecting how highly the club still regard his long-term potential.

During his time on Merseyside, Elliott lifted the Premier League title, fulfilling the dream of representing his boyhood club on the biggest stage. However, increased competition following a record-breaking recruitment drive this summer made opportunities more limited.

Photo: IMAGO

Competition for Places after Isak Deal

Liverpool’s forward line has been reshaped significantly. The arrival of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125 million on deadline day added further depth to an already strong attack. Slot can now choose from Isak, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa, while Florian Wirtz and rising youngster Rio Ngumoha also provide options.

Elliott’s departure follows Slot’s vision of refreshing the squad with what he described earlier in the summer as “extra weapons”. More than $500 million has been invested across several key areas, underlining Liverpool’s intent to build on their Premier League title win last season.

Interest from Abroad and Spurs Links

RB Leipzig had explored a deal after selling Xavi Simons to Tottenham, but were unable to progress talks. Spurs themselves were credited with interest when James Maddison suffered injury and Morgan Gibbs-White slipped from their grasp, but they eventually secured Simons instead.

Elliott now begins a new chapter with Aston Villa, aiming to establish himself as a central figure in Emery’s system while keeping England ambitions firmly in sight.