As Liverpool approaches the transfer window, it’s difficult to envisage how the squad will look at the end of the summer.
One thing is for sure, Liverpool won’t sign all of the players it has been linked with – we could be into triple figures at this stage – nor will all of those linked with exits depart. The list of possible outgoings is extensive. Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Wataru Endo, Federic Chiesa, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz have all been mentioned in the latest reports.
Another player who has drawn interest is Harvey Elliott. The player’s progression has stunted under Arne Slot, who clearly doesn’t see the 21-year-old as a major part of his plans. That he is yet to start a Premier League game under the Dutchman says it all.
It has inevitably led to speculation that he will leave the club, although Elliott did distance himself from reports in January. He celebrated a goal against Lille that month by making a talking sign with his hand and then shook it from side to side, indicating there was no truth in the recent rumors.
“I think it’s pretty clear to be honest. I’m not leaving,” he said afterwards. “This is my team, this is my club. I am a massive fan and we’re in a great position so far this season.”
Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund were credited with interest at the start of the year, but it’s Newcastle United who has now emerged as the frontrunners if Elliott is to leave Liverpool. A recent report in Football Insider claimed the Reds are open to offers of around £50million ($64M) for the player, although the Chronicle stated the figure is closer to the £40M ($51M) mark.
No-one doubts Elliott’s quality and, at 22, there are still so many years ahead of him to develop, but there’s also no denying where he currently stands in the pecking order at Liverpool. That both Jugen Klopp and Slot said the midfielder was deserving of more game time, but ultimately didn’t hand him it, is telling.
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Elliott is an intelligent player with excellent technique and is elegant in possession, but he can lack quality in decisive moments. He provided 16 goal involvements from 53 appearances last season and, while his numbers are slightly better this term, he has blown his opportunity to impress on several occasions.
His last three 90-minute appearances – against PSV Eindhoven, Accrington Stanley and Plymouth Argyle – have been underwhelming. It breeds a thought that Elliott is perhaps most effective in short cameos off the bench. That won’t do long-term; Slot needs a player he can rely on to start.
If Elliott doesn’t fit that criteria – Liverpool’s no.19 may point to the small sample size this season and the inability to develop any match rhythm – then the solution is clear. To earn $64M for a player who is essentially back-up is a no-brainer; it’s an offer Liverpool must accept, if it is forthcoming this summer.
Indeed, it would represent extremely good business for a club who have a habit of selling fringe players for significant fees. Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg are two obvious names that jump out in recent windows.
(Image: Nick Taylor)
Any fee received could also help fund Liverpool’s plans to strengthen in the market, and a possible departure of Elliott to Newcastle could even assist with negotiations for Alexander Isak.
As for the player’s own interests, perhaps this summer could be the right moment for Elliott to call time on his Liverpool career. Prior to this season, there has been year-on-year progression for the ex-Fulham man, but he has taken a backwards step in 2024/25.
Excluding a season on loan at Blackburn Rovers, Elliott has effectively played a back-up role at Liverpool for six years. He turns 23 next campaign, a stage by which players may hope to have established themselves as regulars at Premier League level.
