Owen Hargreaves, a former Manchester United and England midfielder, believes Liverpool made a potentially costly mistake by selling Harvey Elliott to Aston Villa. According to Hargreaves, Elliott has the talent to become as good as Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, a top-class player known for his exceptional technical ability and vision on the field.

Harvey Elliott’s Potential

Hargreaves praises Elliott, saying, “Technically, he’s fantastic… centrally, he’s a fabulous player.” He believes Elliott’s left-footed playmaking ability draws comparisons to Odegaard. Elliott’s performances at Aston Villa have been promising, showcasing his creativity and goal-scoring potential.

Elliott’s Time at Liverpool

Elliott joined Liverpool’s academy at a young age and made his professional debut for the Reds. However, he struggled to secure regular playing time under Jurgen Klopp, starting just two Premier League games last season and coming off the bench in another 16. This lack of opportunities led to his departure to Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy.

Impact of the Transfer

Liverpool fans might regret letting Elliott go, especially if he develops into a player of Odegaard’s caliber. The transfer deal included a buy-back clause worth around £55 million, which would allow Liverpool to reacquire Elliott in the future if he fulfills his potential. Meanwhile, Aston Villa hopes to build around Elliott, with Unai Emery’s guidance helping him reach new heights.

What Lies Ahead for Elliott

As Elliott continues to prove himself at Villa Park, Liverpool will likely be keeping a close eye on his progress. With the potential to become a world-class player, Elliott’s development will be closely watched, and Liverpool might need to consider exercising their buy-back option if they want to retain his talents.

Conclusion

Owen Hargreaves’ assessment of Harvey Elliott’s potential highlights the challenges Liverpool faces in evaluating young talent. While the club has made significant signings, including Alexander Isak, the departure of Elliott might prove to be a costly mistake if he continues to excel at Aston Villa. As the season unfolds, Elliott’s performance will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool’s decision to sell was indeed a mistake ¹ ².