Harvey Elliott’s emotional message to Liverpool emerges after surprise Aston Villa transfer
Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool journey has come to an end, at least for now, with the midfielder sealing a move to Aston Villa on transfer deadline day. After six years at Anfield, he leaves with seven major trophies and 150 appearances under his belt, but most importantly, he leaves with his love for the club stronger than ever.
Villa snapped up the 22-year-old on an initial loan deal that carries an obligation to buy next summer for £35 million, provided certain appearance clauses are met. Crucially, Liverpool insisted on both a buy-back and sell-on clause, showing that while Elliott is moving on, the door at Anfield will never be fully closed.
Unai Emery’s side managed to beat off serious competition to secure his signature. RB Leipzig pushed hard, while West Ham and Fulham both tried to tempt him earlier in the window, but the midfielder decided Villa Park was the right environment for his next chapter.
A tough decision
Elliott’s future had been clouded all summer. Despite winning the Premier League with the Reds last season, he struggled to break into the starting XI when it really mattered. This term, he had played just seven minutes across two games, and for a player with his ambition, that was never going to be enough.
Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Elliott admitted the decision wasn’t easy. “When I joined Liverpool in 2019 it was a dream come true for me and my family. Words will never explain the feeling of pulling on that red shirt for the first time.”
From joining as a 16-year-old boy to maturing into a first-team regular, Elliott says he will always be proud of what he achieved. Few could have imagined him reaching 150 appearances, winning trophies at Wembley, and lifting the Premier League title as part of such a historic squad.
A heartfelt farewell
In a message that left fans emotional, he thanked everyone who had guided him along the way. Jurgen Klopp, who signed him, Arne Slot and his current staff, and of course his teammates who became close friends. He called it “a privilege” to share the pitch with them all.
But it was his words for the supporters that really stood out. “To the incredible Liverpool fans. Thank you for making me one of your own and for always supporting me through both good and tough times. I’ll always cherish the bond we have together. I will always have Liverpool in my heart.”
Those words hit home for Reds everywhere, because Elliott wasn’t just a player—he was one of us. A boyhood fan who travelled the world following Liverpool before living out his dream in front of the Kop.
Now, he says, it’s time to be “in an environment where I’m able to have the opportunity to play and progress as much as possible.” That means regular football under Emery, and a chance to grow into the player everyone believes he can be.
Liverpool fans will follow his journey closely at Villa. After all, with a buy-back clause in place, there’s always the chance this goodbye is only temporary.
Elliott leaves with his head held high, his heart full of Liverpool, and his legacy secure as a fan turned player who gave everything for the shirt.
Wherever his career takes him next, the words “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will always belong to Harvey Elliott.