Credit: Imago
Fri 20 March 2026 18:10, UK
Harvey Elliott could be in line to play a bigger role for Aston Villa as the available games that can impact his buy clause begin to dwindle.
The Villans made the decision early in the season that signing Elliott on a permanent basis was not in their plans, thus cementing the Englishman to the bench and reserves for much of the campaign so far.
Elliott, who would become an Aston Villa player after 10 Premier League appearances for ÂŁ35million, will be looking forward to the end of the season so he can get his career back on track.
However, he could begin that while still on loan at Aston Villa.
Games are running out for the Aston Villa loanee to feature in, and that is a positive for Elliott.
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How Harvey Elliott could now play a big role for Unai Emery at Aston Villa
Elliott’s buy obligation only counts towards Premier League games, so with his four appearances so far, that leaves him with just five games left that would not trigger that total.
With 30 Premier League games played this season and Elliott unable to play against his parent club, Liverpool, that leaves seven potential fixtures he could influence.
StatisticTotalGames played99Goals5Assists13Harvey Elliott’s all-time Premier League stats
In five of those games, Emery can now safely use the Englishman without fear of having to pay the £35m and give Aston Villa an added weapon during the season’s run-in.
Additionally, he is available for the rest of the Europa League campaign too.
Although things have not worked out for Elliott this season, there is still a quality player that can be utilised. At Liverpool in 2023-2024, the last campaign in which he was used often, he averaged a goal or assist every 151 minutes.
Credit: Manh Tung/Breaking Media
Out of Emery’s current and most frequently used options, Morgan Rogers comes the closest to that figure with a goal contribution every 206 minutes.
Of course, expecting Elliott to instantly revert to the form found two seasons ago is unrealistic, but if the Spaniard can get even just 75 per cent of that output, the Englishman could be an additional weapon to use.
Elliott’s positive impact evident in short cameo vs Lille
Against Lille, Elliott should have won Aston Villa penalty, showcasing that even in brief cameos, he can make a difference.
Additionally, in just his nine minutes on the pitch, he produced seven carries, with three of them being progressive.
Five of his eight passes attempted also came within the opposition’s half.
There is a player there that can be unlocked, and with Aston Villa struggling in front of goal lately, adding a fresh creative spark to the attack could be worth trying.
Emery can do so safely without fear of having to purchase a player he simply does not want to stick around long-term.
It can now be a win-win scenario for everyone involved.
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