Harvey Elliott is reportedly edging closer to an exit from Liverpool, just days after being omitted from the squad for the Premier League opener against Newcastle.
The 23-year-old midfielder returned to Anfield this summer following a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa, with serious doubts already surrounding his long-term future at the club.
Although Elliott featured during pre-season under new boss Andoni Iraola, he was surprisingly left out of the 20-man squad for Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at St James’ Park. Lewis Koumas and James McConnell were both preferred ahead of him, further suggesting that Elliott is no longer high in Iraola’s plans.
Speaking before the Nottingham Forest fixture, Iraola explained his decision:
“With Harvey, with Luke Chambers and some of the other players I left out, it was about finding the right balance on the bench. Harvey is working hard and improving, but at the moment I prefer other options.”
Elliott has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Valencia after positive discussions, with the Spanish club now working to reach an agreement with Liverpool.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Valencia have opened club-to-club negotiations with the Reds. A permanent move could be the most realistic outcome, considering Elliott has entered the final year of his Liverpool contract.
His chances of regular football at Anfield have also become increasingly limited following the arrival of Florian Wirtz, while Liverpool’s expected move for Bradley Barcola could make opportunities in the wider attacking positions even harder to come by.
Elliott now appears closer than ever to saying goodbye to Liverpool.
