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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed midfielder Harvey Elliott will stay at Anfield. This support comes despite the 22-year-old’s limited playing time this season.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Before Liverpool’s important match against Tottenham Hotspur, Slot discussed Elliott’s future. “I think it’s very important that people who are here want to stay,” Slot said. “Harvey is one of them who hasn’t had enough playing time as he has deserved, but he is in competition with good players and he was injured. I have been honest with him.” Earlier, Elliott expressed frustration over the same. He has made just 24 appearances, mostly as a substitute.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Boyhood Liverpool fan, Elliott, is in a tough spot under Slot’s management this season. The midfielder has played a total of 651 minutes, averaging just over 27 minutes per match. He has come off the bench in each of his 14 Premier League appearances this season. While reports suggest the player has been “angry and frustrated” over not getting enough game time, the 22-year-old confirmed to the Liverpool Echo his desire to stay and fight for his place: “This is my team, I am committed to them.” The Reds are approaching the finish line and could become Premier League champions if they avoid defeat against Tottenham on Sunday.
WHAT ELLIOTT SAID
“I hope that I can push on [next season],” Elliott told the Liverpool Echo. “This is my team, I am committed to them and it’s just a situation that is always going to have a lot of talk. I just need to think about what is best for my future, my career and, as much as I want it to be here, you never know what is going to happen around the corner.” The midfielder explained how he had to take on a difficult role to play this season: “A lot of times this season it’s almost been [coming on] when we’ve been losing or drawing, so it is about trying to change the game, try and turn it around and have a positive impact. But, you know, any minutes for Liverpool are amazing.”
TRANSFER SITUATION
Despite Slot’s public backing, Elliott’s future remains uncertain. Liverpool have been linked with a move for fellow midfielder Jamal Musiala and could explore selling Elliott if a reasonable offer arrives. The Reds would look to demand as much as £40m, given Newcastle United’s alleged interest in the 22-year-old.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
Liverpool could win the Premier League title on Sunday when they face Tottenham in north London. They need to avoid defeat to become champions. This crucial fixture comes as part of a tight run-in, with Liverpool currently sitting at the top of the table. The remaining matches present an opportunity for Elliott to impress Slot and improve his chances of getting more minutes next season, if he stays at Anfield.
