Harvey Elliott Getty Images February 04, 2026, 1:45 p.m

Harvey Elliott found himself in a difficult position. The 22-year-old midfielder wanted to end his failed loan spell at Aston Villa early and return to Liverpool, but the transfer was blocked by financial disputes between the clubs.

According to The Athletic, there was no standard buy-out clause in Elliott’s loan deal which Liverpool could activate unilaterally. Instead, to terminate the contract before the summer, Aston Villa had to pay a penalty compensation. Birmingham, who already cover the player’s salary, refused to pay extra money to get rid of him.

For their part, Liverpool took a hard line and refused to cancel this payment. No compromise was found before the deadline, so the player remained in limbo. The main reason Elliott isn’t playing is because of a specific clause in his lease. If he plays for Aston Villa 10 matches, the club will be obliged to buy him for the amount of about 35 million pounds. Elliott has played 7 matches so far.

Head coach Unai Emery, who does not see the player in his tactical scheme, decided to marinate the Englishman in order not to accidentally activate the mandatory buyout: “We decided two months ago that we were not convinced of the need to sign him for such money,” Emery admitted in January.

The situation is worsened by FIFA regulations. Having managed one minute for Liverpool in August (an 89th-minute substitute against Newcastle), Elliott has already played for two clubs this season. This means that he cannot move to a third European club.

MLS remained the only option, but Elliott rejected Charlotte’s offer, considering the move to the United States at the age of 22 premature. Now the talented midfielder will have to spend the rest of the season training with no hope of getting on the field.