Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has expressed confidence that Harvey Elliott can reignite his Anfield career after returning from a frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa.

The 23-year-old midfielder endured a difficult campaign away from Merseyside, with contractual complications severely limiting his opportunities under Unai Emery. However, Iraola believes Elliott has returned determined to prove himself.

Iraola offers Elliott fresh hope

The new Liverpool manager revealed he has been impressed by Elliott’s attitude since reporting for pre-season.

Rather than dwelling on last season’s setbacks, Iraola believes the midfielder is ready to compete for a place in the squad.

“Definitely,” Iraola said when asked whether Elliott still has a future at Liverpool.

“Harvey is here with us. I have seen him with the eagerness to show up, get super ready. He’ll have a chance in pre-season, we’ll need him and it’s a good sign.”

The comments represent a major boost for Elliott, whose long-term future had been questioned following an unsuccessful spell at Villa Park.

Loan spell ended in frustration

Elliott’s move to Aston Villa quickly became one of the most unusual loan stories of the season.

His agreement reportedly included a £30 million obligation-to-buy clause that would have been activated after a specified number of appearances.

Concerned about triggering that clause, Villa significantly reduced Elliott’s involvement, leaving the midfielder on the sidelines for much of the second half of the campaign.

The situation became so awkward that Unai Emery publicly acknowledged the circumstances and apologised for how events unfolded.

A chance to reset

Despite the disappointment, Iraola believes the experience could ultimately benefit Elliott.

The Liverpool boss suggested the midfielder has returned with renewed motivation after enduring a season in which circumstances were largely beyond his control.

“I hope we can see him in a good place,” Iraola said.

“I think Harvey comes from a season that had to be difficult for him, a strange situation where they couldn’t even play him. I think he uses this bad experience to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player.”

Determined to impress

Elliott’s lack of minutes came as a surprise after an impressive 2025 European Under-21 Championship, where he had looked ready to establish himself at the highest level.

Instead, he featured for just 109 Premier League minutes during his loan spell before returning to Liverpool.

Now back at the AXA Training Centre, the England youth international will aim to convince Iraola that he deserves a prominent role in Liverpool’s plans for the new season.

Pre-season could provide Elliott with the clean slate he has been waiting for, as he looks to put a frustrating chapter behind him and fight for his place at Anfield.