Unai Emery stands firm on Harvey Elliott transfer as Liverpool star’s reality clear

Harvey Elliott made his first appearance for Aston Villa in nearly three months in the Europa League clash with Red Bull Salzburg

Harvey Elliott made his first Aston Villa appearance in nearly three months on Thursday, and Unai Emery has given the latest on the Liverpool player’s status at Villa Park.

The midfielder secured a loan switch to Villa Park on deadline day following months of speculation about his destination after a brilliant U21 Euros campaign, where he claimed the tournament’s top player award. His Liverpool future remained uncertain as he joined their Premier League competitors.

However, Elliott hasn’t impressed Emery and the former Fulham academy graduate has scarcely been used. He was given a rare chance in the Europa League as he contributed to the comeback victory against Red Bull Salzburg, reports the Mirror.

The Villa manager was pleased with his loanee’s display, though he would be forced to sign him permanently should he feature ten times – something he has no plans to do.

Emery stated: “It is not changing. Not changing, I told you yesterday it is not changing his situation. Today, he played and very fantastic how he helped us, but it’s not changing our idea with him.”

Villa would have to make a mandatory £35million purchase if Elliott continued to get game time, which likely explains why Emery has kept him out of his regular plans. Emery has no wish to secure him on a permanent basis – a stance he clarified months ago when pressed on the matter.

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“The problem we have with Harvey is that this year he is on loan, and in case he plays matches we must buy him,” he said. “We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we would need to sign him.

“This is the only issue. He is training every day, always every day with very good behaviour and to help us in training sessions. This is not something good for him and good for us, but this is football and sometimes we must take some decisions which are not good for everyone.”

Reds boss Arne Slot was recently asked about Elliott, saying: “First of all, it was very pleasing to see him on the pitch. “He is one of the promising players of England, winning the Euros for the Under-21s last summer.

“I think his situation is clear. He’s an Aston Villa player at this moment in time. So that’s all I can say about it.”

Villa’s outstanding campaign has left them trailing Premier League pacesetters Arsenal by just four points, and they’ve recently strengthened their squad further – securing Tammy Abraham and Douglas Luiz, with the latter arriving on loan until the end of the season.

Emery continues to keep Villa competitive across the league, FA Cup and Europa League.