Harvey Elliott is set to stay at Liverpool as he is tipped for first team exposure next season.
According to The Athletic Liverpool have beaten off an enquiry for Elliott from Sheffield United as interest in him intensifies. They have reported that the 18-year-old is not available to move this summer, as he is seen as cover for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Elliott has already been identified to replace Xherdan Shaqiri in the first team squad should the Swiss international be sold. However this report indicates he is set for an even bigger role at the club.
What Elliott could offer
Liverpool currently have 17 non-homegrown first-team players, which is the maximum they could register for the upcoming Premier League season.
Elliott has impressed in pre-season and his apparent readiness for first-team action may be the reason why Shaqiri has become expendable. If Liverpool can sell Shaqiri, and replace him with Elliott, that will open an additional spot in the squad to facilitate an incoming transfer.
Elliott impressed on loan last season at Blackburn, featuring mainly as a wide player. The skillful youngster has also demonstrated he has all the characteristics to adapt to the number 10 position. Hence why he is considered an ideal replacement for Shaqiri.
However during pre-season we have seen Jurgen Klopp deploy Elliott in a new role, and the youngster seems to have adapted with relative ease. Elliott has featured as a central midfielder, dropping deeper than a traditional number 10. This is an area in need of reinforcement following Gini Wijnaldum’s departure.
Elliott’s new found versatility makes him an ideal squad player who should therefore see a lot of action next season in a variety of roles. We should also not forget that both Mane and Salah are set to join the African Cup of Nations in January and with the current squad construction Elliott will be very much needed.
What RTK has to say
Elliott, despite being only 18, will need to continue his development next season. He made 41 league appearances for Blackburn last season and continued exposure to first team football will be essential for him again this season.
Sheffield United are a big club in their own right and have ambitions of promotion following their relegation from the Premier League last year. In many other circumstances their interest in Elliott on loan would be welcomed.
However if Liverpool can offer Elliott meaningful opportunities across the multiple competitions they intend to compete for, the benefits of loaning him elsewhere are diminished.
Elliott’s versatility, and homegrown status, should serve Liverpool both on and off the pitch.
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