Unai Emery has described Harvey Elliott’s difficult loan spell at Aston Villa as “embarrassing for everyone involved.”
The 23-year-old midfielder joined Villa on a season-long loan from Liverpool but has struggled badly for game time, making only four Premier League appearances and playing just 109 minutes in total.
Villa included an obligation to buy Elliott permanently for £35 million if he reached 10 league appearances, but the clause now appears impossible to trigger.
Villa attempted to send Elliott back to Liverpool during the January transfer window, although the two clubs failed to reach an agreement.
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Emery Apologises to Elliott
Speaking ahead of Villa’s meeting with Liverpool on Friday, Emery admitted the situation had been difficult for everyone involved and said he often thinks about Elliott’s lack of opportunities.
“To now explain about the reason for this decision is very difficult, or it is easy, but it is not the moment,” Emery said.
“My apologies for Harvey Elliott are, every day, in my mind. We have our responsibility and Liverpool have their responsibility.”
“How the season has gone has been difficult.”
Elliott is unavailable for Friday’s match against his parent club, with both teams battling for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Difficult Season After England Under-21 Success
Elliott arrived at Villa hoping regular football would help him break into the England setup, and fight for his place in manager Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad ahead of the World Cup.
Instead, the midfielder has endured a frustrating campaign despite starring for England Under-21s at Euro 2025, where he scored five goals and was named player of the tournament.
Meanwhile, fellow England Under-21 international Elliot Anderson has become a regular senior international after winning seven caps.
Elliott’s only Premier League start for Villa came against Fulham in September, when he was substituted at half-time. He has not featured in the league since February.
Uncertain Liverpool Future
Interest in Elliott remains high from clubs across the Premier League and Europe, but reports suggest he is unlikely to have a future at Liverpool under manager Arne Slot.
With limited opportunities at Villa and uncertainty surrounding his long-term future, Elliott now faces an important summer ahead as he looks to rebuild what was a promising career.
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