Aston Villa loanee Harvey Elliott has been linked with an exit ever since Unai Emery made it clear the club has opted not to sign him permanently. However, a move to MLS now appears unlikely following the latest twist.
MLS Side Suffers Blow in Chase for Harvey Elliott
Liverpool loaned out Elliott this season as he looked to play regularly and earn a spot in a FIFA World Cup squad. Things have not gone as planned since joining Aston Villa, as he has played just four minutes in all competitions since October 2025.
The loan deal includes an obligation: the Villa Park side must sign him to a permanent deal for $48 million if he plays 10 Premier League matches. The 22-year-old has not managed to convince Emery of his value at the club, and that has resulted in limited minutes as Villa attempts to avoid triggering the obligation.
Charlotte FC had been looking to sign him, but Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Englishman is not interested in making the move. The decision comes just days after the MLS club’s manager, Dean Smith, confirmed his interest in bringing in the youngster, noting that if the player was not going to feature for Aston Villa or elsewhere, Charlotte could have provided an opportunity to gain minutes before the World Cup break.
“I put the feelers out, obviously, when I was over there,” Smith said. “I was thinking about it and thought, there is an opportunity here. If he is not going to play at Villa and can’t play anywhere else, then it would be an option for him to come and play some games up until the World Cup break. If he is not playing between now and the World Cup, it is a shame. There is an opportunity for him to come out and play here if that is what Liverpool or Villa wanted to do.”
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Elliott was back in the Aston Villa squad on Sunday, Jan. 25, as they looked to get back to winning ways. He remained on the bench as Villa earned a 2-0 win at Newcastle United and moved within four points of leaders Arsenal, who lost to Manchester United.
The 22-year-old cannot join another club during the 2025-26 season, as he has already played for both Liverpool and Aston Villa. FIFA rules prohibit players from appearing for more than two clubs in a single season, though he would be eligible to move to any side beginning its 2026 campaign.
