Harvey Elliott faces a potentially defining summer as he weighs his future at Liverpool. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, has openly admitted he needs to consider whether remaining at Anfield is the best path for his career, emphasizing his desire to avoid "wasting years" on the sidelines. Despite his undeniable affection for the club and its fans, Elliott's reduced playing time under new head coach Arne Slot has fueled speculation about a possible move.
Elliott's situation is understandable. After a promising 2023-24 season where he made 53 appearances under Jurgen Klopp, expectations were high that he would cement his place in the starting XI. However, the reality has been different. In the recently concluded season, Elliott's opportunities have been limited, with just a handful of starts in all competitions. He made only two Premier League starts, both coming after Liverpool had already secured the title. Overall, Elliott played 28 games and totaled 822 minutes of action. While he contributed with five goals and three assists, this was a significant drop from the previous season's 27 starts and over 1,350 minutes.
Several factors have contributed to Elliott's decreased role. A foot fracture sustained during an international break disrupted his momentum early in the season. Upon his return, he struggled to regain his sharpness and break into a settled starting lineup. Slot himself acknowledged that Elliott wasn't the same player immediately after recovering from the injury. Furthermore, Liverpool's strong form throughout the season made it difficult for any player to consistently break into the first team.
Elliott's versatility is both a strength and a potential hindrance. He is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, on either wing, or even in a deeper midfield role. However, this versatility hasn't translated into consistent starts. While he provides valuable squad depth, he seemingly hasn't been able to nail down a specific position as his own under Slot.
Looking ahead, the potential arrival of Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz could further complicate Elliott's situation. Wirtz, an attacking midfielder, would add more competition for places in an already crowded area of the pitch.
Elliott's situation is further complicated by his commitment to the England U21 squad for the upcoming European Championship in Slovakia. His focus will undoubtedly be on helping the Young Lions defend their title, which could delay any final decisions about his club future until later in the summer. Liverpool are reportedly not actively looking to sell Elliott, but are understanding of his need to explore his options if he continues to struggle for game time.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Elliott. He must weigh his love for Liverpool against his desire for regular first-team football. As he himself stated, "It's about what's best for my career." If he concludes that a move is necessary to further his development, Liverpool may have to reluctantly consider offers for the talented midfielder.
