Liverpool star faces unavoidable exit decision as Florian Wirtz transfer talks continue

Harvey Elliott may have lifted the Premier League trophy in May with Liverpool, achieving a lifelong dream, but the 2024/25 campaign will likely remain a bittersweet chapter in the young midfielder’s career. While the team around him soared to glory, Elliott was often left on the sidelines—physically hampered by injury and tactically overshadowed by emerging competition.

The 22-year-old was once tipped to become a central figure in Jurgen Klopp’s farewell season. As the legendary German manager bowed out, Elliott was one of the few players who showed consistency and spirit during turbulent patches. Many fans expected that Arne Slot’s arrival would finally provide the breakthrough platform Elliott had long deserved.

Slot, known for his tactical flexibility and attack-minded formations, came in with a preference for the 4-2-3-1 system—one which seemed tailor-made for Elliott’s creativity. The midfielder had impressed in pre-season, often occupying the central attacking midfield role, and it appeared he would start the campaign as Liverpool’s new number 10.

But that promising trajectory quickly faltered. Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian powerhouse signed the season prior, was preferred in the central role. Elliott found himself relegated to the bench—a decision that grew more difficult to reverse after an untimely foot injury limited his availability just weeks into the season.

He managed only seven minutes of action before being sidelined with a fractured foot. His initial hope was a swift return after the October international break, but complications delayed his recovery until December. By then, Liverpool were in full stride, top of the table, and reluctant to alter a winning formula.

When he finally returned, Elliott had to earn his place from scratch. The midfield was settled, the team was clicking, and the stakes were too high to gamble on a player still regaining match sharpness. Though he made cameo appearances, real minutes were hard to come by.

Nevertheless, Elliott made the most of his opportunities. His first major contribution was the winning goal in the League Cup quarter-final against Southampton—his first start of the season. He followed that up with impressive cameos in January, including a key assist for Darwin Núñez in a crucial 2-0 win at Brentford and a match-winning goal against Lille after coming on at halftime.

His momentum briefly carried into Europe. In the Champions League, Elliott netted a goal against PSV Eindhoven in a rotated side, though Liverpool lost 3-2. Unfortunately, his upward swing hit another bump in the FA Cup when he conceded a penalty in a shocking defeat to Plymouth Argyle. That moment seemed to shatter the trust he was building with Slot.

Following that match, Elliott was benched for four of the next five games. Even though he delivered bright performances off the bench, his opportunities to start dried up. It became increasingly clear that Slot viewed him as a squad player—an option in emergencies rather than a trusted starter.

One of Elliott’s best moments came in the Champions League knockout stage. With Liverpool under pressure in Paris, he coolly finished his first touch of the ball to secure a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. The goal was lauded as one of the Reds’ standout moments in Europe this season, but the team’s subsequent elimination in the Round of 16 dulled the impact of that triumph.

March brought another chance to shine in a high-profile match. Elliott assisted Federico Chiesa in Liverpool’s League Cup final defeat to Newcastle United. Once again, he was decisive when called upon—but still only from the bench.

It wasn’t until Liverpool had mathematically secured the Premier League title that Elliott finally earned a Premier League start, playing against Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion. Against Brighton, he scored and assisted, reminding fans and coaches alike of the quality he brings when given a consistent run.

Despite his late-season form, Elliott now faces an even more uncertain future as Liverpool edge closer to signing Bayer Leverkusen’s star midfielder, Florian Wirtz. Negotiations are ongoing for a club-record fee, and reports suggest the German international is keen on a move to Anfield—potentially completing his medical as early as next week.

Wirtz, known for his creativity, vision, and tactical intelligence, operates primarily in the same attacking midfield role that Elliott has long sought to make his own. His potential arrival casts a significant shadow over Elliott’s ambitions at the club.

Arne Slot has already acknowledged Elliott’s improvement in the final weeks of the season. Speaking in early May, he praised the midfielder’s growing influence but admitted that competition for places remains fierce.

That competition is now expected to grow even tougher. Wirtz is a generational talent, and Liverpool’s massive investment in him will come with an expectation of immediate impact. This places Elliott in a precarious position ahead of pre-season.

Of course, pre-season represents a clean slate. Elliott will be eager to prove his worth and force Slot’s hand in team selection. But the writing may already be on the wall: if Liverpool do complete the Wirtz transfer, opportunities in the number 10 role will become even rarer.

At 22, Elliott is approaching a pivotal point in his career. He has the talent to become a star in the Premier League, but the question is whether that future lies at Anfield or elsewhere. Clubs across Europe will be watching the Wirtz saga unfold closely, knowing that Elliott’s status could change dramatically depending on the outcome.

For now, the England international remains focused on Liverpool. But should he find himself once again on the fringes next season, a loan move—or even a permanent transfer—might be the only way forward.

The months ahead could define the direction of Elliott’s career, and much of it hinges on the outcome of Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz.