Harvey Elliott explains Valencia loan switch after limited Villa stint
The Liverpool midfielder spent last season at Villa Park but has now headed to Spain, citing conversations with a new Anfield teammate as a key factor.
Harvey Elliott has opened up about his decision to join Valencia on loan, revealing that conversations with Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili played a significant part in persuading him to move to Spain. The midfielder completed the temporary switch late in the summer transfer window, which closed on 1 September, and will spend the current campaign at the Mestalla without any option for a permanent deal.
According to The Mirror, Elliott sought advice from Mamardashvili, who made 134 appearances for Valencia before joining Liverpool. The Englishman explained that his teammate spoke highly of both the city and the supporters, describing them as passionate regardless of results. Those discussions helped shape his thinking as he weighed up his options heading into the new season.
Elliott also confirmed he held several telephone conversations with Valencia head coach Carlos Corberan. The pair discussed personal objectives and what would be expected of him on the pitch, ultimately convincing the 23-year-old that the Spanish club was the right environment to rebuild his momentum.
The move follows a frustrating spell at Aston Villa last term. Elliott arrived on loan but struggled for regular minutes under Unai Emery, managing only nine outings and a single goal. Villa chose not to make the arrangement permanent when the opportunity arose, leaving him to return to Anfield and seek game time elsewhere.
Now at Valencia, Elliott is focused on rediscovering the form that prompted Liverpool to sign him from Fulham in 2019. He has gone on to feature 149 times for the Merseyside club, finding the net 15 occasions, and remains under contract there until 2028. His immediate priority, though, is settling into La Liga and helping a Valencia side that have taken just one point from their opening three fixtures.
