Harvey Elliott is set to leave Liverpool on loan.
According to Matteo Moretto, Valencia have reached an agreement to sign Elliott on loan from Liverpool.
Liverpool will reportedly pay the majority of the midfielder’s salary during his time in Spain.
It’s a move that could prove extremely important for Elliott at a crucial stage of his career.
Elliott needs to play
For me, this is the biggest thing.
Elliott needs regular football.
There’s no question about his ability, but getting consistent minutes at Liverpool has become increasingly difficult.
The competition for places is fierce, particularly with Liverpool having invested heavily in their midfield and attacking options.
A season at Valencia could therefore give Elliott exactly what he needs.
Games. Responsibility. Confidence.
And hopefully plenty of goals and assists.
Liverpool haven’t given up on him
The fact Liverpool are reportedly prepared to pay the majority of his wages is interesting.
It suggests this isn’t simply a case of the club wanting to get Elliott off the wage bill.
Liverpool still have an investment in the player.
They clearly want him playing football and developing.
A successful loan could potentially benefit everyone.
Elliott gets regular football.
Valencia get a talented young player.
And Liverpool could potentially get back a much more experienced and confident midfielder next summer.
It’s still a little sad
I’ll admit, though, I’m disappointed to see Elliott leave.
He’s been at Liverpool since he was a teenager and has produced some brilliant moments in a red shirt.
His technical ability is obvious.
His left foot is special.
And he’s always looked capable of producing something different.
But sometimes a player reaches a point where playing every week is more important than being part of a big squad.
That appears to be where Elliott is now.
Valencia could be perfect
La Liga could be an excellent environment for him.
The technical nature of Spanish football should suit Elliott’s strengths.
He’ll hopefully have more opportunities to receive the ball, dictate play and get into attacking areas.
And unlike at Liverpool, he should have a much greater chance of becoming a regular starter.
That’s exactly what he needs.
What happens next?
The biggest question will be what happens when the loan ends.
If Elliott has an outstanding season at Valencia, Liverpool could have an interesting decision to make.
Do they bring him back and give him another opportunity?
Or does his development increase his value enough for the club to consider a permanent transfer?
I wouldn’t rule anything out.
A lot can change over one season.
My verdict
I think this could actually be a very good move for Harvey Elliott.
At Liverpool, he’s competing against some outstanding players.
At Valencia, he’ll hopefully get the opportunity to become one of the main men.
That’s what he needs now.
Not another season sitting on the bench.
Not another season where he’s getting 15 or 20 minutes here and there.
He needs to play.
He needs to prove himself.
And he needs to remind everyone just how talented he is.
So while it’s disappointing to see another Liverpool academy graduate leave the club, I’m going to be rooting for Elliott every step of the way.
Go to Valencia.
Play your football.
Enjoy yourself.
This could be the season that changes Harvey Elliott’s career.
But I think this is the end of his Liverpool career with only a year left on his contract.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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