Mo Salah has sent a heartfelt message to a Liverpool star that had been axed by Arne Slot.
Harvey Elliott completed a deadline day move to Aston Villa, joining the Villains on an initial season-long loan with a £35m obligation to buy. The move brings his six-year spell at Anfield to an end, with the 22-year-old struggling for game time under Slot.
Despite scoring a memorable goal away to PSG in the Champions League last-16 last season, Elliott managed just two Premier League starts.
Liverpool legend Salah took to X to express his support for the Englishman. He wrote: "You’ll be remembered for your loyalty and dedication every time you were called upon.
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"You leave as a champion, and I’ve got no doubt you’ll do big things at your new club.
"They are lucky to have you."
How will Harvey Elliott do at Aston Villa?
On paper, the move to the Midlands looks like a good deal for all parties. Elliott was outstanding for the England U-21s in the summer and was named the Player of the Tournament as they won the competition.
His performances attracted widespread interest across Europe, including from RB Leipzig, before Aston Villa moved to secure his services.
After a terrible start to the Premier League season, with just one point from their first three games, manager Unai Emery was desperate to add reinforcements. Former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof joined on a free transfer, while Jadon Sancho arrived on a season-long loan from Old Trafford.
But it is the addition of Elliott that is more likely to excite Aston Villa supporters.
He offers versatility as he can operate on the right of an attacking three, or as an advanced midfielder. Such versatility is likely to be appreciated by Emery, who has rotated Morgan Rogers, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans across multiple roles.
Could Harvey Elliott return to Liverpool?
The deal is a loan with a conditional obligation, which means there are scenarios where he would return at the end of the season.
The conditions are believed to be connected to the number of appearances he makes for the Villains.
Given he is expected to play a key role in Emery's team, it is likely that the threshold will be met.
But Liverpool have inserted both sell-on and buy-back clauses into the deal for the attacker.
It means there is a chance that Elliott could yet return to his boyhood club again in the future.
Topics: Harvey Elliott, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Premier League, Football, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Mohamed Salah, Arne Slot
James Taylor