Harvey Elliott was left out of Liverpool’s matchday squad for the opening Premier League game against Newcastle — and it could be another major indication that his time at Anfield is coming to an end.
Elliott simply missed out as Andoni Iraola selected his squad, with Lewis Koumas preferred for the trip to St James’ Park.
And when you consider the uncertainty surrounding Elliott’s future throughout the summer, it’s difficult not to wonder whether we are seeing the beginning of the end.
From second chance to being left out
What’s particularly interesting is that Elliott had appeared to be given a fresh opportunity under Iraola.
After a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa, the midfielder returned to Liverpool determined to prove himself.
Elliott even spoke about receiving a “second chance” at Liverpool this summer.
There was hope that a new manager could change his situation.
But being left out of the first competitive squad is certainly not the start he would have wanted.
The competition is becoming fierce
Elliott’s biggest problem could simply be the number of players ahead of him.
Liverpool have plenty of midfield options, while Iraola also has to find room for his attacking players.
The emergence of Trey Nyoni and the decision to include Koumas show that young players are also competing for opportunities.
And if Liverpool complete more attacking signings before the transfer window closes, Elliott could find himself even further down the pecking order.
Liverpool still need to make a decision
Liverpool have already been linked with a permanent sale of Elliott.
A proposed £35m move to Aston Villa failed to materialise after he didn’t reach the required appearance threshold during his loan spell.
Liverpool therefore face a choice.
Do they keep Elliott and give him another opportunity?
Or do they decide that his development has reached a point where a permanent move is best for everyone?
At 23, Elliott still has plenty of football ahead of him.
And there is undoubtedly a very talented player in there.
It would be a shame
Whatever happens next, it would be disappointing if Elliott’s Liverpool career ended without him reaching the level many supporters expected.
He arrived at Anfield as a teenager with enormous potential.
We’ve seen flashes of his quality.
His technique.
His passing.
His ability to strike the ball.
His willingness to take responsibility.
But consistency has perhaps been the missing ingredient.
And now it looks like Liverpool may have decided they need to move in a different direction.
Could this be the beginning of the end?
One omission doesn’t mean Elliott is definitely leaving.
Things can change quickly in football, particularly with a transfer window still open.
But when you combine this with the uncertainty surrounding his future and Liverpool’s increasingly competitive squad, the signs aren’t particularly encouraging.
Elliott has been given a second chance.
Now he may need another one somewhere else.
A decision is coming
I would still be reluctant to write Elliott off completely.
He’s only 23.
A move to another club could allow him to play regularly and rebuild his confidence.
Equally, if Iraola genuinely believes he can get the best out of him, keeping him could still prove worthwhile.
But being left out of Liverpool’s first Premier League squad is a significant development.
Could Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool career really be coming to an end?
It certainly feels like we are getting closer to finding out.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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