Harvey Elliott has been in the spotlight ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Aston Villa, with the two teams who pay his wages meeting on Friday evening.
Had things gone as planned, Elliott would be preparing for the game having become a Villa player during the autumn, after triggering the obligatory 10-game clause which would have secured his permanent transfer to Villa Park.
Instead, he finds himself cast out, and though – as Arne Slot confirmed on Friday – Elliott will return to Liverpool for pre-season, there is more doubt than ever over his future at Anfield.
Should Curtis Jones keep his place at right-back against Aston Villa?
Or is Joe Gomez a better option?
Nevertheless, fans have been buoyed by the news that the 23-year-old is set to return, with Rousing The Kop readers taking to social media to urge Slot into giving Elliott another chance with the Reds.
Liverpool supporters want second chance for Elliott
Elliott has always been a fan favourite at Liverpool. Down to earth, hard-working and, of course, a boyhood Red, it has hurt supporters to see how he has been treated this season.
With his Liverpool career set to be handed a lifeline, fans on RTK‘s Facebook page have urged Slot not to give up on a player he has seemingly never really fancied.
“Need him and he will give everything to be back,” one fan commented. “The way he has been treated is shocking and disgraceful by both Liverpool and Villa,” someone else said. “He was brilliant for England last summer as well.”
READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brother is the agent of Liverpool target who could replace Mo Salah
“Bring him home,” one more supporter declared, while another added: “His energy is what we are missing.”
“He can help to fill in the unfillable gap Mo [Salah] will leave behind,” was somebody else view, with others simply commenting: “Yes.”
Some doubts remain over Elliott
Although the clear message was that Liverpool fans overwhelmingly want to see Elliott given another go at Anfield next season, the response was not completely unanimous.
“If he is good enough [he should come back], but he was not when he left, and was not good enough for Villa to want to pay for him,” was one view. “If he was not ex Liverpool you would not look at him.”
Can you make a better front line to take on Aston Villa? 👀
“Sorry a nice guy is Harvey but wasn’t good enough first time hardly going to be second time,” another person agreed.
“The rose tinted glass brigade are unreal,” someone else shared. “He never has been and never will be good enough to play for Liverpool.”
“5 goals in 93 games, he is no great loss, take the money and get Harry Wilson on a free, much better version,” was yet another voice of dissent.
Though the majority of supporters are hoping to see Slot count on Elliott after what has been a dreadful season for both of them, it sadly feels more likely that those hoping to see the former Fulham prospect sold will ultimately get their way.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
