Charlotte FC Monitoring Harvey Elliott: A Potential Solution In Sight
Exploring the possibility of a move, Charlotte FC is keeping a close eye on Harvey Elliott's situation at Aston Villa. With limited playing time and potential exit looming, the young England international could find a lifeline in Charlotte. Read on to learn more...
Charlotte FC are monitoring Harvey Elliott's situation at Aston Villa, GOAL can confirm, although any talk of a move would first depend on decisions made by both Villa and Liverpool. The England international is struggling for minutes with Villa, and Charlotte are one of the few clubs in the world that can offer a reprieve in January.Elliott made the move to Villa on deadline day, joining the club on loan with an obligation to buy if the midfielder made 10 appearances for the club. Elliott has featured just five times for the club, though, and has not featured since September, with Villa seemingly having no interest in triggering that purchase clause.Due to FIFA rules, however, Elliott would be unable to join most clubs in the world. Rules state that a player can not feature for three clubs that operate with a summer-to-spring schedule, which would rule out a vast majority of the world's leagues. Elliott played one minute for Liverpool prior to making his September move to Villa.One league that does not operate on that schedule, at least for now, is Major League Soccer, which means Charlotte are one of the few clubs in the world that could offer Elliott playing time ahead of the World Cup if neither Villa nor Liverpool have a plan to use him in the second half of their Premier League seasons.Sources told GOAL that the situation between Charlotte and Elliott is merely exploratory for the moment and that any possible interest would greatly depend on what is worked out between Liverpool and Villa first.News of Charlotte's interest in Elliott was first reported by Fabrizio Romano.Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has confirmed that the club was considering cutting Elliott's loan spell short during this January transfer window, but that nothing had officially been decided between Villa and Liverpool.“I am respecting him all we can because he’s a very good professional, very respectful, but the situation we have is something,” Emery said. “I must make a decision, but not damage the person because he’s a very good person and player, and he deserves the best. After he leaves, we can maybe use the position he is in to work for something.”He added, “The problem we have with Harvey is this year he is on loan and, in case he is playing matches, we must buy him. We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him."This wouldn't be the first time Charlotte took advantage of that FIFA rule to sign a marquee player. Just last season, the club added Premier League veteran Wilfried Zaha, who was loaned from Galatasaray to Lyon in August of 2024. That loan was terminated in January 2025, paving the way for Zaha to head out on another loan to Charlotte, where he'll remain until at least this June.Zaha was a key figure for Charlotte this season, hitting double digits in both goals and assists to lead the club to the playoffs. The club is managed by former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingEntering the weekend, Aston Villa sit third in the Premier League, six points behind league leaders Arsenal. Liverpool, meanwhile, are behind them in fourth place, trailing Villa by six points through 19 games.
Charlotte FC's Interest and Unique Position
Charlotte FC's monitoring of Harvey Elliott's status at Aston Villa underscores the club's strategic approach to strengthening its squad. With Elliott's lack of game time considered alongside FIFA rules limiting his options, Charlotte emerges as a rare opportunity for the midfielder to secure regular minutes ahead of crucial events like the World Cup.
Critical Decision Points for Liverpool and Villa
The potential move of Elliott would hinge on the decisions made by Aston Villa and Liverpool, the clubs involved in the player's loan agreement. Should Villa opt not to activate the purchase clause based on Elliott's appearances, and if Liverpool and Villa reach a mutual agreement, Charlotte FC could be a promising destination for the talented youngster.
Past Success and Managerial Expertise at Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC's previous acquisition of players like Wilfried Zaha, taking advantage of FIFA regulations, demonstrates the club's ambition and ability to attract established talent. With Dean Smith, former Aston Villa manager, at the helm, Charlotte offers a professional setup and promising environment for players seeking growth and success.
Implications for Premier League and Major League Soccer
As Charlotte FC continues to monitor Harvey Elliott, the potential transfer could signify a shift in player movement dynamics between top-tier leagues. With Major League Soccer's different schedule providing a unique opportunity, Elliott's move could set a precedent for future player transactions across leagues with varying seasonal structures.
