Harvey Elliott Contract Clause Could See Him Return to Liverpool After Villa Snub

Harvey Elliott has a contract clause that could see him return to Liverpool following his latest Aston Villa snub.

Elliott joined Villa from Liverpool on deadline day.

Villa signed the 22-year-old on an initial season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy conditional on appearances.

Elliott will cost £35 million next summer if he registers 10 appearances across all competitions.

At the time of writing, he has played five games across all competitions following his move from Liverpool.

Elliott hasn't played in Villa's last two games against Burnley and Tottenham, with his last appearance coming in his side's win over Feyenoord in the Europa League on October 2.

He was a second-half substitute against Feyenoord.

And Elliott has once again found himself on the bench against Go Ahead Eagles, with fans believing Unai Emery is not playing him on purpose, so the club doesn't have to trigger the contract clause in his deal.

Harvey Elliott hasn't played for Aston Villa since their Europa League tie against Feyenoord on October 2. Image: Getty

One X user wrote: "Unai determined to spread those 10 Harvey Elliott appearances over the season."

A second said: "He hates Elliott doesn’t he," while another added: "Very clear Emery never wanted Elliott and there’s obviously an appearance clause involved."

Another predicted: "I think we all know now that Elliott was a Monchi panic buy. He'll be back at Liverpool in January."

Harvey Elliott has scored one goal for Aston Villa since his move from Liverpool. Image: Getty

Elliott's snub comes after a report claims Emery had pushed for West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta before the player's eventual signing.

According to The Athletic, Villa had known the Liverpool starlet was available in the months before and held off signing him due to his price.

Villa fended off competition from RB Leipzig for Elliott, who rejected interest from West Ham and Fulham earlier in the summer.

The Midlands club ended up taking on Elliott, having taken note of his performances for England in their triumphant European under-21 championship.

He starred at the tournament, scoring a brace in his side's 2-1 semi-final victory over the Netherlands and in the final against Germany.

Villa saw potential given his age and ability, believing he could hold resale value.

Even though he has impressed Villa personnel with his attitude and application, Elliott has made just five appearances this season.