Emery refuses £35m Elliott deal despite rare appearance – 'not convinced, decided 2 months ago'

Harvey Elliott applauds Villa fans after his rare appearance in the Europa League victory over Salzburg (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) Getty Images

Unai Emery has ruled out signing Harvey Elliott permanently despite the Liverpool loanee's rare appearance in Aston Villa's Europa League comeback win. The manager insists the playmaker's future remains elsewhere. A contractual clause requires Villa to buy Elliott for £35 million if he plays ten times.

Elliott made his first appearance for Villa in nearly three months in the victory over Red Bull Salzburg. But Emery dismissed any suggestion the performance had changed his thinking about the playmaker.

"It is not changing. Not changing, I told you yesterday it is not changing his situation," Emery said after the match. "Today, he played and very fantastic how he helped us, but it's not changing our idea with him."

Decision made months ago

Emery revealed he made the call on Elliott's future two months ago. The manager explained the contractual obligation as the key factor blocking a permanent move.

"The problem we have with Harvey is that this year he is on loan, and in case he plays matches we must buy him," he said when previously quizzed on the situation. "We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we would need to sign him."

The former Fulham youngster joined Villa on deadline day after winning the best player award at the U21 Euros. But he has rarely featured under Emery, who clearly doesn't see him fitting into his plans.

Awkward situation continues

Elliott continues to train with the squad despite the uncertainty over his future. Emery acknowledged the difficult position for both player and club.

"This is the only issue. He is training every day, always every day with very good behaviour and to help us in training sessions," the Villa manager said. "This is not something good for him and good for us, but this is football and sometimes we must take some decisions which are not good for everyone."

Despite Villa's demanding schedule — sitting four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal while competing in three competitions — Emery won't reconsider Elliott's situation.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).