Harvey Elliott Deserves More Playing Time At Aston Villa, Says Unai Emery

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery accepts that Harvey Elliott’s limited minutes are affecting the Liverpool loanee’s development, while talks continue over changing the obligation-to-buy clause. Elliott has appeared only seven times since joining on deadline day in September, despite Villa competing in the Premier League, domestic cups and Europe.

The current agreement means Aston Villa must sign Elliott permanently for a reported 30m if the midfielder plays 10 games, with at least five of those coming after the midway point of the season. That condition has shaped selection decisions, as Emery balances squad needs with the financial impact of triggering the clause.

Emery explained that conversations with Liverpool about removing the clause began

several months ago and continued through the recent window. "I spoke with him. We have been fair because there are two ways, said Emery. One way is sport, the second is business. We'll be fair in case, because we are trying it, and I told him. "

The Aston Villa head coach stressed that Liverpool’s stance is crucial before Elliott can feature more freely. "I spoke a few times with Harvey. We are speaking about it [taking off the clause with Liverpool], but not now. We started speaking about it three months ago. Of course, the transfer window was finished on Monday. "

Elliott did not appear in any matchday squad between 2 October and 29 January, when the midfielder finally played 90 minutes in the Europa League league-phase fixture against Salzburg. Across all competitions, Elliott has totalled 270 minutes for Villa, with seven appearances, only three starts and one goal.

During the same period, Aston Villa strengthened with Tammy Abraham, Douglas Luiz and a recalled Leon Bailey from Roma, yet injuries have left Emery short in midfield. John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara are all sidelined, making Elliott a potential option if the Liverpool agreement is adjusted to ease selection concerns.

Emery described Elliott’s character and professionalism with clear praise. "It will be fair for him, because he's a calm guy, good guy, and he's a fantastic professional. And then his qualities are there. Of course, he must play, and he's really being passionate, and I know we are damaging him, because we got a deal with Liverpool in the summer, and the deal is there, and we are taking the decision responsibly from my side. It can change for him, in case Liverpool take off this clauseif they don't want to, okay. "

Five-a-side winners pic.twitter.com/oQrSgeqIWAAston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 5, 2026

Emery underlined that Elliott now has a clearer pathway, provided Liverpool agree to amend the terms. "Now I am opening the door to play with us, because he can help us, but it's not only on my side, he added. The other side is Liverpool, if they are taking off the clauses they have, to play matches and for us to buy him compulsory. "

The coach said the original promise to Elliott still stands, although business factors now weigh heavily. "[I said to him] 'You are going to play here with us; it's a sport decision'. But now it's a sport decision and a business decision. My sport decision is still there'You are deserving to play, we need your qualities in the field, you are going to play'. But in case the clauses are still there, and now it is Liverpool - they have the key. "