Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has urged Liverpool to remove a restrictive appearance-based purchase clause to avoid stalling Harvey Elliott’s career during a critical top-four race.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has appealed to Liverpool to alter Harvey Elliott’s loan terms, admitting the current agreement is “damaging” the 22-year-old midfielder.
A clause in the deal triggers a compulsory purchase—estimated between £30m and £35m—once Elliott plays ten matches.
Having appeared five times, the midfielder was sidelined for months to avoid activating the expensive obligation-to-buy during the winter window.
Emery insists the stalemate is unfair, stating, “I told him it will be fair for him for Liverpool to take off this clause.”
Despite Elliott recently returning to the squad due to injuries, he can only feature three more times before the permanent transfer is triggered.
Emery admitted the club is “taking the decision responsibly” but remains hopeful a “sport decision” can finally override the business deadlock.