Chelsea ‘Considering’ Shock Move to Sign £40m Liverpool Star – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Pursuit of Harvey Elliott: Strategic Gamble or Long-Term Vision?

CaughtOffside’s latest report has certainly sent a ripple through the Merseyside fanbase, with Chelsea now named as one of several clubs monitoring the situation of Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott. It’s a headline-grabber, not least because of the optics involved, with a top-six rival attempting to prise away a player once considered one of Liverpool’s future cornerstones.

With the Reds now focusing on squad trimming following their marquee summer captures of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez, Elliott’s decreasing role in the squad has attracted notable attention. Having made 53 appearances in the 2023/24 campaign, contributing 4 goals and 11 assists, the 22-year-old’s game time took a dramatic dip this season.

He logged just 583 minutes across all competitions in 2024/25, starting only four matches. That’s a near 80% drop in starts, which paints a clear picture of his diminished status under Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to a stunning Premier League title in his debut season.

“The arrival of Florian Wirtz in a club-record £116 million deal has further pushed Elliott down the pecking order at Anfield,” CaughtOffside report, adding to growing speculation that the youngster may be forced to seek minutes elsewhere.

Photo: IMAGO

Harvey Elliott’s Next Move: A Test of Ambition

Chelsea’s interest raises immediate questions. What is their long-term plan for Elliott? The Blues already have an abundance of midfield talent, yet their project has lacked identity and consistency. If this is a signing aimed at rebuilding core English identity or simply adding another “project player,” Elliott would need clear assurances of his role.

CaughtOffside confirms:

“Chelsea are among several clubs tracking Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott ahead of this summer’s transfer window.”

Brighton and Aston Villa have also entered the frame, with Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund monitoring closely too. Among those, Brighton offers arguably the most suitable footballing environment for Elliott to flourish, particularly given their recent track record in developing young talent.

However, the reported valuation of “in excess of £40million” could make some clubs hesitant, especially if Liverpool choose to drive a hard bargain.

Slot’s Ruthless Evolution

Arne Slot’s reign has so far been marked by bold decisions, and Elliott’s demotion is arguably the most telling. Despite fan sentiment and his previous utility, the manager appears to be building a side with relentless verticality, which may not suit Elliott’s more possession-based, creative rhythm.

The signings of Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez illustrate a fast, aggressive blueprint. With that context, the exit of fringe players like Nat Phillips, and now perhaps Elliott, begins to make logical sense from a tactical point of view.

Photo: IMAGO

“Another candidate for departure in Harvey Elliott is getting attention closer to home,” the report states, indicating that this decision is not simply financial, but functional.

Would Liverpool Really Sell to Chelsea?

One of the more contentious parts of this story lies in the destination. Selling to Chelsea, a direct rival, feels like a stretch unless the offer is irresistible.

“It remains to be seen whether Liverpool would sanction a sale to a direct top-four rival or instead deal with Brighton, where Elliott would likely receive more consistent playing time,” the article concludes.

If Liverpool do choose to offload Elliott, they’ll surely prefer to sell abroad or to a club with less direct competition implications.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From the perspective of a Liverpool supporter, this rumour does not sit comfortably.

While Elliott has struggled for minutes this past season, his talent is not in question. His technical ability, vision, and work ethic have always made him feel like one of “our own” — a player to build around rather than cast aside.

Losing him to Chelsea, of all clubs, would not just sting, it would raise serious doubts about the club’s long-term thinking. Selling a 22-year-old English midfielder with Premier League experience, Champions League exposure, and genuine upside to a top-four rival? That’s a gamble that could come back to haunt us.

Even if Arne Slot has a tactical rationale, football is more than numbers on a whiteboard. The emotional identity of Liverpool is tied to players like Elliott — committed, hard-working, emotionally invested. Replacing that isn’t always about raw output. If Elliott was given the minutes that others were gifted despite inconsistent form, who’s to say he wouldn’t rise?

And for £40 million? In this market, it feels low. If Mason Mount was worth £60 million with a year left on his contract, Elliott’s valuation feels oddly modest. If we do sell, we must extract proper value and steer him far from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s interest might validate Elliott’s talent, but from a Liverpool fan’s standpoint, it’s a deal that smells wrong. Let him go on loan if needed, but don’t let this be another Kevin De Bruyne or Mo Salah — talented young players let go too soon.