Harvey Elliott’s future at Liverpool appears increasingly uncertain following his visible discontent during the Reds’ recent 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. The 21-year-old winger, who had been sidelined early this season due to injury, has struggled to secure regular playing time since manager Arne Slot’s arrival, raising eyebrows about his long-term prospects at Anfield.
With Liverpool sitting comfortably atop the Premier League table, Elliott remains frustrated after being left unused on the bench during the match. Despite his key role under former manager Jurgen Klopp last season, he has only made 17 appearances this term, with just 10 coming in the Premier League and only four as starters. His last starting appearance against Plymouth Argyle ended poorly, as he gave away a penalty which led to the team's surprising exit from the FA Cup.
Tim Sherwood, appearing on Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Special, voiced his concern over Elliott’s mood during the Newcastle match. “The trouble is for players like Harvey Elliott, I watched him and I was really impressed with what I saw. The other boys are coming onto the pitch; he's made five subs there, and still no Harvey Elliott, and you know, he's not happy. He sat there and his face was so angry and annoyed,” Sherwood remarked.
His performance and attitude have led to conversations about whether Elliott should pursue opportunities elsewhere. Sherwood continues, “He will want to leave the football club. I know it’s a brilliant club if he can fight his way... but if he’s not going to play on a regular basis.” Elliott’s favored position on the field remains blocked by key players like Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, and Dominic Szoboszlai, with Ryan Gravenberch also impressing under Slot’s management.
This development isn’t just empty speculation; Elliott has been openly linked with clubs such as Brighton and Borussia Dortmund earlier this season, demonstrating the interest from teams recognizing his potential. He affirmed his commitment to Liverpool at the time, saying, “This is my club; I’m a massive fan, you know, and we’re in a great position so far this season.”
Despite Liverpool’s strong push toward another Premier League title, Sherwood highlighted, “At the moment, a top-quality player like him is sitting there and he's getting no game time.” He added, “If you don’t play... he would be happy picking up a trophy and a medal, but in the end, he will want to contribute a lot more than what he’s done.”
This situation is not unprecedented, as other talented players from Fulham, Elliott’s former club, have found similar struggles post-transfer. The cases of Fabio Carvalho and Ryan Sessegnon serve as poignant reminders of how young talent can sometimes falter under pressure or fail to adapt to new environments, leading to more time spent on the sidelines.
With only four total starts this season, it’s apparent Elliott may find himself at a crossroads should the current state of affairs persist. Liverpool supporters and analysts alike are assuredly watching his development closely, as the window for potential transfer moves opens, and many are left to question whether this talented midfielder may need to chart his path elsewhere to find the playing time his skills merit.
For now, the question remains whether Elliott will be able to reclaim his spot among Liverpool's starting eleven, or if he will be forced to reconsider his future with the club before the next season begins. Given the current competition and his frustration, the young star’s next career steps could hold significant weight, not just for him, but for Liverpool’s broader ambitions.