Five clubs, including Chelsea, have set their sights on Liverpool’s midfielder Harvey Elliott, who appears poised to leave Anfield this summer.
The 22-year-old’s future has become a hot topic after his brace secured a 2-1 victory for England U21s against the Netherlands, propelling them into the final against Germany.
Elliott’s limited game time during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, clocking just 360 minutes in the Premier League, has fueled speculation about his next move.
The recent arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for 116 million pounds has further clouded his prospects at Anfield, prompting a shift in his stance. “I don’t really want to be wasting years of my career because it’s a short career,” Elliott said upon arriving in Slovakia for the U21 Euros.
“I need to reflect. I want to improve and be the best possible version of myself. If that’s to go somewhere else, then it’s a decision I’m going to have to make.”
Chelsea have emerged as a surprise contender for Elliott’s signature, with sources indicating they are “on alert for his potential transfer” and view him as a versatile attacking option.
However, they face stiff competition from Brighton, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Borussia Dortmund. Brighton have taken pole position, reportedly preparing a 40-million-pound offer and confident in their ability to offer regular first-team football.
“The most concrete interest has come from Brighton,” a source close to the transfer said. “They have identified Elliott as their number-one target for the summer window.” The presence of former Liverpool midfielder James Milner at Brighton could also sway Elliott’s decision.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have set a valuation of around 50 million pounds for the young star, whose four goals in the U21 Euros, two shy of Germany’s Nick Woltemade, have only heightened his appeal.
Despite his desire to fight for a place at Anfield, Elliott’s path to regular minutes under Arne Slot remains uncertain, particularly with Wirtz’s arrival. A move to Chelsea could pose risks, as manager Enzo Maresca’s preference for powerful wingers and Cole Palmer’s dominance in the No.10 role may limit Elliott to a supporting role.
Brighton or Aston Villa, both pushing for European qualification, could offer the consistent starts he craves.
As Elliott prepares for Saturday’s U21 Euros final, his performances continue to draw attention. “That second goal, if Messi did this, the world would be stopping,” said former Chelsea star Joe Cole, praising Elliott’s semi-final display. “He has this ability and could do it consistently if he played regularly.”
With Brighton leading the race and Chelsea lurking, Elliott’s next move promises to be a defining moment in his promising career. Liverpool’s reluctance to lose a homegrown talent may hinge on securing a hefty fee or strategic clauses to ensure they retain a stake in his future.
