Harvey Elliott returns to Liverpool, touted as next Coutinho

Harvey Elliott is set to return to Liverpool after a season‑long loan at Aston Villa, with the English midfielder poised to become the club’s next Philippe Coutinho under new manager Andoni Iraola. He scored 15 goals and provided 21 assists in 201 games for Liverpool, and Barcelona once paid £144 million for Coutinho.

During his eight‑year spell at Liverpool, Philippe Coutinho formed a prolific partnership with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, contributing to 98 goals in 201 appearances. His performances prompted Barcelona to sign him for £144 million, a transfer that remains one of the club’s most expensive acquisitions.

The departure of Coutinho cleared the way for Liverpool to recruit Alisson, Fabinho and Mohamed Salah, signings that the club would not have pursued otherwise. These arrivals helped reshape the squad and underpin the success that followed.

Andoni Iraola, now Liverpool’s manager, inherited a side that struggled offensively last season and is looking for fresh attacking options. He replaces former coach Arne Slot, under whom Harvey Elliott felt his playing time was limited.

Elliott spent the 2025‑26 season on a year‑long loan at Aston Villa, where the club chose not to trigger a £35 million purchase option. Consequently, he is set to return to Liverpool for the upcoming campaign.

Elliott’s versatility allows him to operate as a central midfielder or on the right wing, a flexibility Liverpool may need with the possible exits of Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones. Having scored 15 goals and supplied 21 assists for Liverpool, he was a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp and could also compete with Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo or Hugo Ekitike for attacking roles.