Fabrizio Romano, James Pearce reveal all on Harvey Elliott future amid Villa ‘unhappiness’ and Liverpool recall talk

Harvey Elliott’s rapidly declining minutes at Aston Villa has seen speculation aired about the possibility of a recall by parent club Liverpool in January – but an update from James Pearce has confirmed why that is not possible, and having revealed what will happen next.

The attacking midfielder secured a move to Villa Park on transfer deadline day, joining on a season’s loan that had an obligation to turn into a permanent £35m switch next summer. But just two months into his time in the Midlands, Elliott finds himself at a serious career crossroads and having dropped to fourth-choice in the Aston Villa pecking order.

It’s a dramatic fall from grace for a player, who was often a big impact player during his time at Liverpool and had used the move to the Midlands as a springboard to take his career to the next level.

However, with the likes of Morgan Rogers, Emi Buendia and Ross Barkley all now ahead of him in Unai Emery’s thinking, speculation of a recall to Anfield in the January window has started to gather some pace, with the player having been restricted to just 97 minutes worth of action across three appearances in the Premier League.

Pearce and Fabrizio Romano have now had their say on the player’s future – and both have confirmed that the move to Villa Park does not contain a recall clause in January.

Writing on X, Pearce explained: ‘Harvey Elliott hasn’t played a minute for Villa since late Sep. Needs to make five more appearances for £35m buy option to be triggered. No January break clause, and so far no talks about potentially cancelling the loan.’

That situation has also been backed up by Romano, who, in speaking to Givemesport, says there is little talk of him returning.

“At the moment, it depends on his performances in training.

“The situation is still not changing, and of course, Elliott is not happy.”