Elliott ready to take 'second chance' at Liverpool

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Harvey Elliott has described his return to Liverpool as a “second chance” after a difficult loan at Aston Villa, saying he wants to enjoy playing again and work his way into the squad. The 23-year-old spoke in New York after Liverpool’s 1-0 pre-season friendly win over Wrexham, having appeared in both of the club’s pre-season matches under new manager Andoni Iraola.

According to the report, Elliott moved to Villa last summer on a season-long loan that included an obligation for Villa to buy him for £35m if he reached 10 appearances. Villa decided early in the campaign that they did not want to activate that clause, and Elliott finished with nine appearances and 277 minutes. Manager Unai Emery described the circumstances as embarrassing for everyone involved.

Elliott said the move had been an attempt to test himself outside his comfort zone, but acknowledged it did not work out. He also said he held no resentment toward Villa, adding that the experience had been mentally demanding but part of his development. BBC Sport notes he was part of Emery’s squad as Villa won the Europa League last season.

The situation matters because Elliott’s Liverpool future remains unresolved at a time of managerial change. A former Fulham academy player who joined Liverpool in 2019, he had regular involvement under Jurgen Klopp but played less in the title-winning season under Arne Slot, making 18 Premier League appearances in 2024-25 before the Villa loan. Elliott said he is focused on fitness, form and impressing Iraola before seeking clarity later.