Harvey Elliott: The Case for Staying at Liverpool

As Liverpool enters another season under Arne Slot, the squad is beginning to take shape. Familiar faces remain, new signings are integrating, and positional battles are already emerging. But perhaps the most intriguing subplot of the summer doesn’t involve a marquee arrival — it’s the future of Harvey Elliott.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to RB Leipzig, who view him as a potential successor to Xavi Simons. The rumours are real, and Leipzig’s track record with young creative talent makes the move feel plausible. But for Liverpool, this would be a mistake — both short and long term.

Elliott is not only a promising young playmaker. He’s also one of the most productive U21 creators in Europe, a tactical fit for Slot’s system, and a player whose best years are still very much ahead. Letting him go now would be more than just losing a squad player. It would be giving up on one of the most unique talents Liverpool have developed in years.

A Statistical Standout in Europe

Even in a crowded and competitive midfield, Elliott’s creative numbers set him apart — not just at Liverpool, but across Europe.

Among under-21 midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2024–25 season, Elliott ranked:

• 1st in key passes per 90 minutes
• 2nd in assists, crosses, and through balls
• Top 3 in shot-creating actions and progressive carries

When isolated further, the numbers become even more impressive. He averaged 2.06 open-play chances created per 90, 2.44 passes into the box, and 1.45 possessions won in the final third — the highest in his age group. In raw chance creation, only Kevin De Bruyne had more key passes per 90 among all Premier League midfielders.

And Elliott achieved these figures despite being used primarily off the bench, often in difficult game states or out of position. He wasn’t given consistent minutes in a settled role — yet still produced like a starter.

Limited Minutes, Lasting Impact

Elliott made just 28 appearances in 2024–25 across all competitions, totaling 822 minutes. That’s less than ten full matches — and yet he finished the season with five goals, contributing in some of the club’s most crucial moments.

• In the League Cup quarterfinal, he scored after just 32 minutes on the pitch against Southampton.
• In the Champions League knockout stages, he found the net against Lille, PSV, and PSG — all as a substitute.
• In the Premier League, he opened the scoring early against Brighton, showcasing his ability to impact games from the first whistle.

He also delivered one of his most complete creative performances against Luton Town, recording a career-high seven key passes in a single match. That kind of production — in a team with multiple senior midfielders ahead of him — says as much about Elliott’s quality as it does about his patience.

The U21 Euros: A Turning Point

Elliott’s summer provided even more clarity. Representing England at the 2025 UEFA U21 European Championship, he was named Player of the Tournament after scoring five goals in six matches, including a dramatic late winner in the semi-final and a clinical strike in the final against Germany.

Playing as a central attacking midfielder, Elliott looked liberated. He dictated tempo, linked midfield and attack, and made decisive contributions in the final third. For those questioning whether he could influence high-stakes matches, this tournament answered definitively.

This wasn’t just promise — this was proof.

Slot’s System and Elliott’s Ideal Role

One of the big challenges during Elliott’s time under Jurgen Klopp was how he fit into the team. Often deployed as a right-sided midfielder in the hybrid 4-3-3, or pushed wide as a right-winger, he was regularly asked to fill gaps rather than grow into a specific identity.

Under Arne Slot, that changes.

Slot prefers a 4-2-3-1 system, and Elliott’s profile is tailored to the No. 10 role. He thrives when given license to drift, combine, and create between the lines. With runners like Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike, or even Wirtz, Elliott could be the missing link — the player who connects buildup to final action.

He’s also versatile. He can play as a wide creator or a deeper ball-progressing midfielder, giving Slot flexibility in different match states.

And critically, he’s ready to fight for the opportunity.

The Leipzig Link — And What’s at Stake

RB Leipzig’s interest is genuine. With Xavi Simons returning to Paris Saint-Germain, they’re in the market for a young, technical playmaker — and Elliott fits their model perfectly.

Reports suggest Leipzig are willing to pay £40 million, but Liverpool would likely seek £50 million or more. Spurs and West Ham have also been linked, though financial or tactical considerations make Leipzig the most serious suitor.

But here’s the question: why sell a homegrown creator, just as he’s beginning to flourish, for a fee that may not replace his output?

Elliott is just 22. He’s played in a title-winning squad. He’s starred in Europe. He’s leading his age group in elite metrics. There’s every chance that in two or three years, that £40–50 million valuation will feel like a discount.

What Liverpool Would Lose

Selling Elliott this summer would mean losing:

• One of the most creative young players in Europe
• A flexible and intelligent midfielder suited to modern systems
• A player already producing in the Champions League and Premier League
• A hard-working professional committed to the club and the project
• A bridge between the next generation and the current core

In a squad that still needs creative midfield options, Elliott is not just a depth piece. He’s a difference-maker waiting to be fully unleashed.

The Verdict

Harvey Elliott has already done more than most at his age — but the best is still to come.

In a team that values tactical flexibility, high-intensity pressing, and creative expression, he fits perfectly. Under Arne Slot, he finally has a manager whose system may unlock the full range of his abilities.

Selling him now would not only be premature — it would be shortsighted.

Liverpool should resist the temptation to cash in. Because if they give Elliott a clear role and the minutes to match, they might just discover they already have the playmaker they’ve been searching for.