Harvey Elliott Facing MLS Move as Liverpool and Aston Villa Seek Loan Resolution
Charlotte FC are prepared to offer Harvey Elliott a temporary escape from his frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa, with the Major League Soccer club emerging as a potential destination in the January transfer window. The 22-year-old winger’s future is uncertain after a difficult first half of the season under Unai Emery, and a move to the United States could offer him crucial playing time.
Elliott’s Villa Struggles and Liverpool’s Plans
Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan from Liverpool at the close of the 2025 summer transfer window with an obligation for the Villans to make the deal permanent for £35 million (€40m, $46.7m) in 2026 should he make 10 appearances. However, it appears increasingly unlikely that Villa will trigger that clause. The winger has featured in only five matches for Emery’s side, and the manager publicly stated in December that Elliott was “not definitely adding to us with a permanent contract.”
Adding to the complexity, Liverpool manager Arne Slot reportedly does not have plans to integrate Elliott into his squad for the remainder of the season, according to sources at TEAMtalk. This situation has been described as a “nightmare” by The Daily Mail, leaving the player in a precarious position.
MLS as a Viable Option
Given that Elliott has already played for Liverpool during the current season, FIFA regulations prevent him from appearing for a third club in the 2025/26 campaign unless it’s a team operating outside the traditional European football calendar. This opens the door for a loan move to MLS, and Charlotte FC have expressed strong interest.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on X (formerly Twitter) at 12:19pm on January 2: “Charlotte FC are prepared to offer Harvey Elliott the chance to play on loan in MLS until June. Elliott, likely to return to Liverpool after being unused at Aston Villa on loan. Decision up to the player.”
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1742388888888888888
Dean Smith’s Influence and the World Cup Factor
Charlotte FC are not only offering Elliott a potential lifeline but also a familiar face. Former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, now at the helm of the American club, is reportedly keen to work with the winger at the Bank of America Stadium. While Smith and Charlotte FC general manager Zoran Krneta acknowledge Elliott’s preference to remain in the Premier League, they believe the opportunity for regular playing time, coupled with the 2026 World Cup being hosted in the United States, could prove tempting.
The prospect of showcasing his talent on American soil during a World Cup year could be a significant draw for Elliott, potentially boosting his international prospects. However, a final decision rests with the player himself.
Other Liverpool Transfer Activity
While the Elliott situation unfolds, Liverpool are also active in other transfer pursuits. Sources indicate the club is competing with Manchester United for a promising winger from the Championship. Additionally, a Spanish report suggests Liverpool’s primary target is considering a move to Real Madrid in 2026. Furthermore, the club is reportedly “close to joining” a defender in the current January transfer window.
The situation surrounding Harvey Elliott remains fluid, but a move to Charlotte FC appears to be a viable solution for all parties involved, offering the young winger a chance to reignite his career and potentially position himself for a prominent role in the 2026 World Cup.
