Image source: football365.com
Harvey Elliott has turned down a loan offer from MLS side Charlotte FC and is set to return to Liverpool this month after his disappointing spell at Aston Villa, where he has made just one Premier League start under Unai Emery this season.
Harvey Elliott Rejects MLS Move as Liverpool Return Looms After Villa Struggles
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on Friday that Charlotte FC had prepared to offer Elliott a loan deal until June, but the midfielder is not considering a move to Major League Soccer at this stage of his career. Romano confirmed that Elliott remains uninterested in the American opportunity despite Charlotte FC’s willingness to wait and continue pursuing the England Under-21 international.
The 21-year-old’s loan spell at Villa Park has proven unsuccessful after the club signed him with an option to buy for around £35 million in the summer. Head coach Unai Emery has clearly not been impressed with Elliott’s performances, limiting him to minimal Premier League action despite initial expectations that Villa had secured a major coup by landing the Liverpool academy graduate.
Elliott’s limited options stem from FIFA regulations that prevent players from representing more than two clubs in a single season. Having already featured for both Liverpool and Aston Villa this campaign, he cannot join another European club during the January transfer window, leaving a return to Anfield as his most viable option for regular football.
Former Premier League CEO Keith Wyness explained that Elliott has “only one choice” this month, stating that Liverpool represents his sole destination due to the two-club rule. Wyness expressed disappointment that the Villa move failed to materialize, describing Elliott as a “really good quality player” who deserves an opportunity to showcase his abilities somewhere if given the chance by coaching staff.
