Arne Slot in the dark over Liverpool midfielder's future amid ongoing snub

Liverpool made the decision to part ways with several Premier League title-winning players in last summer’s transfer window.

Amid a wholesale squad overhaul, sporting director Richard Hughes needed to balance the books and make room for the new stars.

Out went Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez among others - and Liverpool expected to bank £35m eventually in a deal for Harvey Elliott.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was bundled out the door on transfer deadline day - joining Aston Villa on an initial one-season loan spell.

Elliott was unable to make a decisive breakthrough under Arne Slot during the 2024/25 season and it was believed he would establish himself at Villa Park before completing a permanent move.

Aston Villa deal unlikely for Elliott

If certain conditions are met then Unai Emery’s side will need to pay £35m for Elliott. He must play 10 matches in total - but right now he is stuck on seven and doesn’t appear likely to play any more.

The latest snub came on Saturday when Elliott was again left out of the Premier League squad to face Arsenal. Villa have seemingly made their minds up on Elliott and look unwilling to fulfil the conditions for a permanent deal.

That of course represents a big financial blow for Liverpool - who were banking on that £35m from Villa. Instead it looks like a wasteful transaction with Elliott set to return to Anfield with only one year left on his contract.

Liverpool will suffer the consequences - as no team is likely to match that £35m valuation for a player due to leave in 2027.

Ask Aston Villa about Elliott suggests Slot

Arne Slot declared on Friday that he’s in the dark about Elliott’s Aston Villa future - suggesting that reporters need to put any relevant questions to Emery instead.

“No, I haven't had contact with him a lot,” he admitted.

“I think only once or twice and that was before he played Feyenoord away and after he played Feyenoord away, but that had more to do with that he played against a former club of mine.

“So no, I haven't been speaking to him. I am aware of his situation, of course. I knew how difficult it already was for him over here, so I think I know how he feels at this moment.

“But you should ask those questions at Villa and not over here when it's about his playing time over there.”

Elliott could return in January

Elliott may well see his loan deal cancelled in January and return to strengthen Liverpool’s season in the second half of the campaign.

He will not be permitted to join a third team of the season - following his games played with both the Reds and Villa - as FIFA rules dictate he can represent only two.

The only alternative is to join a team in a league whose season overlaps - with the Brasileiro and MLS suggested as possible destinations.

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