Unai Emery has revealed Aston Villa decided as far back as November against signing Harvey Elliott permanently, with the head coach explaining how that call now shapes the club’s January transfer plans.
Elliott, 22, joined Villa on loan with a £35 million obligation clause that would be triggered after 10 appearances. However, with the midfielder having featured just five times, Villa have deliberately avoided reaching that threshold as they reassess how best to strengthen the squad.
Emery explains Harvey Elliott decision
Elliott’s last appearance for Villa came at the end of October, when they recorded a 2-0 win over Feyenoord at De Kuip. Despite scoring Villa’s first goal of the season against Brentford in the Carabao Cup, his involvement has been limited, and Emery confirmed that was a conscious decision.
“We have the issue with Harvey Elliott,” Emery said. “I am respecting all I can because he is a very good guy, a professional and respectful guy.
“The situation he has with us is something I must take a decision on, but trying not to damage the player as less as possible. He deserves the best for him.”
Emery later clarified that Villa had already made their position clear internally.
“We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we would need to. This is the only issue,” he explained.
Loan clause drives Villa transfer thinking
The key complication is the structure of Elliott’s loan deal. Any further appearances would move Villa closer to triggering a mandatory £35m purchase, something Emery believes would restrict flexibility in the market.
“The problem we have with Harvey is that he is on loan, and in case he plays matches we must buy him,” Emery said. “This is not something good for us and him, but this is football and sometimes we must make decisions.”
Villa and Liverpool are now in discussions over Elliott’s future, with a January solution increasingly likely.
Emery outlines Aston Villa transfer strategy
Emery suggested Elliott’s departure would free up room to address priority areas, particularly with a preference for experience alongside existing talent.
“If he is leaving, we can maybe try to use the position he is in to let us work something in the market,” he said. “Until now, we only signed Alysson because we believe in his potential.
“Of course, we are opening the door for players with more experience. The players we have, I am so happy.”
The Villa boss also stressed that further signings are not guaranteed.
“In case we are not signing more players, I am really convinced myself to get the objective we have this season.”
Professionalism praised despite uncertain future
Despite being sidelined, Elliott has continued training with the group, something Emery was keen to acknowledge.
“He is training every day with very good behaviour and to help us in training sessions,” he said. “He is a professional.”
However, the lack of match minutes underlines that his time at Aston Villa is likely drawing to a close.
Key insights
- Aston Villa decided two months ago not to trigger Harvey Elliott’s £35m clause
- Elliott has made only five appearances, with 10 required for a permanent deal
- Emery wants to use the freed-up squad space to strengthen elsewhere
- Villa are prioritising flexibility and experience in the January market
What’s next
Talks between Villa and Liverpool are expected to continue as January progresses, with Elliott’s loan situation needing resolution. Villa will then decide whether to reinvest immediately or rely on their current squad to push towards their seasonal objectives.
Was Aston Villa right to walk away from a £35m commitment for Harvey Elliott — or should they have shown more patience with the young midfielder?
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