Harvey Elliott has agreed personal terms with Valencia, with Liverpool now negotiating with the La Liga club over a potential loan move before the transfer deadline. The 23-year-old midfielder is seeking a fresh start after a frustrating season at Aston Villa, where limited playing time disrupted his development.
Elliott joined Liverpool from Fulham’s academy as one of England’s most promising young players. After impressing during a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers, he returned to Anfield and became an important part of the squad under Jürgen Klopp. He made 149 appearances for Liverpool and was once viewed as a possible long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
His progress stalled during last season’s loan spell at Aston Villa. The agreement included a £35 million obligation to buy if Elliott made 10 appearances, but Villa were reluctant to trigger the clause. As a result, his opportunities became increasingly limited.
Elliott made only nine appearances across all competitions and played approximately 277 minutes for Unai Emery’s side. He made four Premier League appearances, including one start, while also featuring during Villa’s successful Europa League campaign.
The midfielder’s lack of football became a source of frustration for all parties. Emery acknowledged that the contractual structure was damaging Elliott’s development, while Liverpool remained aware that the England Under-21 international needed regular opportunities to regain his momentum.
Elliott returned to Liverpool during the summer and impressed during pre-season, providing an assist in the victory over Sunderland. However, competition for places has increased significantly following Liverpool’s major investment in the squad, including the arrival of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United and the proposed signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite his positive pre-season, Elliott was left out of Liverpool’s matchday squad for the opening Premier League draw with Newcastle. He subsequently informed head coach Andoni Iraola that he wanted to leave in search of regular first-team football.
Valencia have emerged as Elliott’s preferred destination after several clubs, including Napoli and Lazio, expressed interest. The Spanish club are working to complete a straightforward loan agreement with Liverpool, although the final structure of the deal has not yet been confirmed.
The move would give Elliott the opportunity to play consistently in La Liga and rebuild his confidence. Valencia are expected to offer him a prominent role, allowing him to operate as an attacking midfielder and contribute in the final third.
For Liverpool, the loan would provide Elliott with valuable experience while removing him from a crowded attacking and midfield group. His contract is reportedly due to expire next summer, meaning the coming season could also play an important role in determining whether he has a long-term future at Anfield.
Elliott’s career remains at a crossroads, but Valencia could provide the platform he needs to recover the form that once made him one of Liverpool’s most exciting young players. After a difficult year shaped by limited minutes and contractual complications, the England international now has the chance to begin rebuilding his reputation in Spain.
