Harvey Elliott's stellar performances for England's U21 team at the European Championships have reignited the debate surrounding his future at Liverpool. The 22-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in leading the Young Lions to the final, scoring a brace in the semi-final victory against the Netherlands. However, his success on the international stage has only amplified concerns about his limited playing time at Anfield.
Elliott himself has admitted to having "very honest conversations" with Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, regarding his future. He acknowledged that he is entering a crucial stage of his career where consistent playing time is paramount. "I'm coming into an age now where I'm 22, I'm gonna be 23 next season, and I don't really want to be wasting years in my career because it's a short career, you don't know what's gonna happen," Elliott stated.
His concerns are valid. Despite being a part of Liverpool's squad since 2019 and amassing a decent number of appearances, Elliott has often found himself on the periphery, with starts being few and far between. In the recently concluded season, he only started a handful of Premier League games, with his opportunities further limited by the arrival of Florian Wirtz. This has led to speculation about whether he needs to seek a move elsewhere to secure regular first-team football.
Several football pundits have weighed in on the situation, suggesting that a move away from Liverpool might be the best option for Elliott's career development. Joe Cole, for instance, believes that Elliott should join a club outside the top six where he can be a key player. He argued that after gaining experience and establishing himself, Elliott could then return to a top club like Liverpool and compete for a starting spot. Jermaine Defoe echoed this sentiment, stating that Elliott is "too good to not be playing" and needs to find a team where he can "express himself" and showcase his talent.
While Elliott has expressed his love for Liverpool and its fans, he also recognizes the importance of prioritizing his career. He admitted that he needs to "reflect" on his situation and determine what is best for his development as a player. "It's just a situation that me and the team have to have a conversation about because I'm coming into an age now where I'm 22, I'm going to be 23 next season," Elliott said. "I don't really want to be wasting years on my career because it's a short career. You don't know what's going to happen."
Several clubs have been linked with a move for Elliott, including Brighton, Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, West Ham and Fulham. Some reports suggest that Liverpool have placed a £40 million price tag on him, which has deterred some clubs, while others are more willing to meet the valuation. Bayer Leverkusen had also shown interest in Elliott and were considering including him as part of the deal for Florian Wirtz.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Elliott and Liverpool. If he is content with a squad role and believes he can still develop at Anfield, he may choose to stay and fight for his place. However, if he prioritizes regular playing time and wants to take his career to the next level, a move away from Liverpool might be necessary. His performances for England U21s have undoubtedly increased his value and attracted attention from clubs across Europe, giving him a range of options to consider. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Harvey Elliott, but one thing is certain: he is a talented player with the potential to achieve great things, and he needs to be in an environment where he can fulfill that potential.
