Unai Emery says Villa have spent three months negotiating with Liverpool over Harvey Elliott’s loan-to-buy clauses, seeking more game time for the midfielder. If Liverpool waive appearance triggers, Elliott could start regularly — boosting Villa’s midfield. Betting angle: expect higher probability of Elliott starts and increased anytime-assist/goal prop value; consider Villa midfield-related match markets if Elliott secures more minutes.
Emery: Villa in extended talks with Liverpool over Harvey Elliott loan
Unai Emery revealed Aston Villa have been negotiating with Liverpool for three months over the terms of Harvey Elliott’s loan as the club seeks to use the England U21 midfielder more in the final stages of the season. Elliott joined Villa on Deadline Day in September on a loan that includes an obligation to buy tied to appearances.
Loan trigger and current appearance count
The permanent transfer is triggered at 10 appearances, including five in the second half of the season. Elliott has made seven appearances so far. That shortfall explains Villa’s push to renegotiate terms with Liverpool to allow the player more regular minutes.
Selection dilemma: sport versus business
Emery acknowledged the club has “damaged” Elliott by using him sparingly, saying they have tried to balance sporting needs with contractual obligations. “One way is sport, the second is business,” Emery said. “My sport decision is still there — you are deserving to play, we need your qualities in the field, you are going to play. But now it is a sport decision and a business decision... Liverpool have the key.”
Player welfare and club position
Emery stressed he has spoken with Elliott directly and described him as “a calm guy, good guy, and a fantastic professional.” The manager insisted Villa are trying to act fairly: “We are taking the decision responsibly from my side. It can change for him, in case Liverpool take off this clause — if they don't want to, okay.”
Transfer window context and ongoing negotiations
The winter transfer window recently closed, with Villa bringing in Tammy Abraham from Besiktas, signing Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus, and recalling Leon Bailey from his spell at Roma. Villa can continue renegotiating Elliott’s clauses with Liverpool outside the window, but Emery accepted the final decision rests with the Premier League champions.
Match and betting implications
If Liverpool agree to remove or relax the appearance-trigger clauses, Elliott is likely to feature more regularly — strengthening Villa’s midfield options. For punters, that raises the likelihood of Elliott starting and impacting match markets (starts, assists, chances created). Bettors might consider Villa midfield markets and Elliott anytime-goal/assist props if he earns consistent minutes.
Harvey Elliott future sorted amid struggles at Aston Villa this season
Unai Emery says Aston Villa have been negotiating with Liverpool "for three months" over the terms of Harvey Elliott's loan, in an attempt to try and use the midfielder more extensively in the final stages of the season.
Sky Sports
