Valencia in advanced talks to sign Harvey Elliott on loan as Liverpool exit looms

Valencia are in advanced talks with Liverpool over a loan deal for Harvey Elliott, with the 22-year-old having already agreed personal terms with the La Liga club, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish side are working to beat two other unnamed clubs to Elliott’s signature before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

The move has the backing of Elliott himself. The midfielder has spoken directly with Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola and requested to leave Anfield in order to join Valencia under Carlos Corberan, with all parties described as “optimistic” about completing a deal, per reporter Matteo Moretto.

Elliott’s path to regular first-team football at Liverpool has narrowed considerably since Arne Slot’s departure and Iraola’s arrival. The Spaniard left Elliott out of the matchday squad for Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle, offering a candid explanation for the omission.

“With Harvey, with [Luke] Chambers, with some of the players that I decided — because I can only choose 20 — to leave out, it’s a matter of finding the balance on the bench,” Iraola said. “In Harvey’s case, he’s trying, he’s improving every week, but I still prefer other options. Probably I was in doubt with James McConnell in terms of getting into the squad, and I decided to put James in the squad.”

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Aston Villa but made only nine appearances across all competitions — one short of the ten needed to trigger a £35 million permanent transfer clause. Unai Emery’s side opted against signing him on a permanent basis, and Elliott returned to Merseyside earlier this summer.

Elliott has made 149 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Fulham in 2019, and was a key contributor during Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge, featuring 53 times across all competitions in 2023-24. However, his standing in the squad has diminished markedly since then, and a loan move to Valencia would represent his second consecutive temporary departure from the club.

Liverpool are also active on the inbound side of the transfer market, with reports suggesting they have agreed a deal to sign French international Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain before the window shuts.