Harvey Elliott eyes ‘second chance’ at Liverpool under Andoni Iraola after Aston Villa loan nightmare

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott is hopeful that the arrival of Andoni Iraola will help him secure a “second chance” at establishing himself within the squad, following a challenging loan spell last season.

The 23-year-old endured a difficult time at Aston Villa, where he featured in only nine games, totalling 277 minutes. His limited appearances were due to a specific clause in his loan agreement, which would have obligated Villa to sign him for £35 million had he made a tenth appearance.

Elliott returned to Liverpool’s midfield for their 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Wrexham in New York on Wednesday night. Despite ongoing speculation linking him with another move away, the player expressed his deep connection to the club.

“Everyone knows how much I love the club,” Elliott stated after the match. “I’ve supported them from a very young age so the feeling never goes of putting the shirt back on and representing the club. It’s a childhood dream. Every time I put the shirt on I want to give it 100 per cent.”

Reflecting on his previous season, Elliott acknowledged the difficulties but is now focused on getting his career back on track.

“Unfortunately it didn’t work out but the way I see it, that was last season. Now I’m here, it’s kind of a second chance, if you want to call it that, especially with the gaffer and new coaching staff coming in, it’s a chance to impress… I’m here now and I’m trying to cement my spot in the team or within the squad.”

Last season marked a significant setback for Elliott, who last summer had been named player of the tournament as England under-21s clinched the European Championships. Instead of pushing for a place at the World Cup, he spent weeks training with the knowledge he wouldn’t be involved in weekend fixtures.

Despite the frustrations, Elliott holds no ill will towards Aston Villa, insisting the club treated him well and kept him fully informed of his situation. He views the year as a valuable learning experience, which also saw him achieve success in the Europa League.

With Leeds, Sunderland, and RB Leipzig among the clubs reportedly showing interest, Elliott remains pragmatic about his future.

“I’m wanting to be selfish, doing what’s right for me,” he explained. “Whether that’s staying here and fighting for my place or whether that’s potentially going elsewhere I’m still unsure at the moment.”

He concluded by emphasising his desire to enjoy his football: “Putting the shirt on, I don’t want to take these moments for granted because last season I thought it was the last opportunity to do it. Now I’m back here wearing the strip again. I just want to be free and play as much as I can and enjoy it because sometimes it feels like I don’t do that enough.”