Harvey Elliott loan decision unchanged as Emery shuts down Villa rethink

Unai Emery has moved to shut down fresh speculation surrounding Harvey Elliott’s future at Aston Villa, insisting the midfielder’s situation remains unchanged despite his return to the matchday squad.

Elliott has not played for Villa since October’s 2-0 win over Feyenoord and has featured just three times in the Premier League this season. His recent inclusion on the bench against Newcastle, however, sparked renewed debate over whether Villa might be reconsidering their stance on his loan agreement.

Speaking ahead of Villa’s Europa League clash with Salzburg, Emery made it clear that no shift in strategy has taken place. Despite confirming Elliott will again be part of the squad, the Villa boss was emphatic that the club’s position has not altered.

“There are still five days to finish the window,” Emery explained. “Everything we said before, only injuries can change it… With Harvey, it is not changing. We have our idea.”

Villa’s head coach also confirmed he has been open with the player about where he stands, stressing that Elliott’s professionalism has not been in question at any stage.

Central to the discussion is the structure of Elliott’s loan from Liverpool. If the 22-year-old reaches 10 appearances across competitions this season, Villa would be obliged to complete a £35m permanent transfer.

Villa are understood to have decided months ago that they would not trigger that obligation. Reports suggesting the club might renegotiate the clause following Elliott’s return to the squad have now been firmly dismissed by Emery.

“He was on the bench against Newcastle and was there if we needed help,” Emery added. “Tomorrow he is in the squad as well… but it is not changing the situation he has now.”

Elliott’s recent involvement appears to be driven by short-term squad needs rather than a long-term reassessment. Emery pointed to injuries in midfield as the only factor that could alter existing plans, referencing Luiz’s increased role as an example.

From Villa’s perspective, Elliott remains available if required, but the broader direction of his loan spell has already been mapped out.

Elliott is set to be included in Villa’s squad against Salzburg, but further minutes are likely to remain limited unless injuries force Emery’s hand. With five days left in the transfer window, Villa’s priority remains managing availability rather than revisiting long-term decisions already made.