Andoni Iraola has all-but confirmed one more first-team exit with Liverpool’s squad vs Newcastle
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
When Andoni Iraola arrived at Liverpool this summer, he did so while granting his players a clean slate from the nonsense of last season.Many of the Liverpool squad had failed to deliver in spectacular fashion under Arne Slot, with others seemingly not in the Dutchman’s favour across his two years in charge.One who had looked most likely to benefit from the change in head coach was Harvey Elliott, whose loan spell at Aston Villa could hardly have gone much worse. Give us your expectations for Andoni Iraola's first season at Anfield Credit: Getty Images/Geoff Stellfox But while fans had hoped that Elliott could be given a second chance and reignite his career at Anfield under Iraola, it quickly became clear that the 23-year-old may not be up to it.Pre-season has not been positive for Elliott, and though he still looked like being part of the Liverpool squad by virtue of a lack of numbers, Iraola’s decision to leave him out of the 18 for the clash with Newcastle, and pick James McConnell instead, has strongly suggested that Elliott will leave before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline.Harvey Elliott looks likely to leave LiverpoolThere is no guarantee that Elliott will go just because he is not in Iraola’s current plans, but it is clear that the Basque has taken a look at the No.
19 and decided that he is not for him.The inclusion of McConnell is the most damning detail, as the 22-year-old played in attacking midfield at times during pre-season; Elliott’s favoured role.READ MORE: Liverpool learn whether Bradley Barcola’s move from PSG is still likely before facing NewcastleMcConnell is also more than capable of playing as a No. 8 as well, however, which could have swung the balance in Iraola’s eyes.Lewis Koumas has also been selected ahead of Elliott, pushing him even further down the pecking order.
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesWhatever the reasons behind the decision, it does not look good for Elliott, who will be desperately disappointed after everything that happened at Villa last term.It would not be a surprise at all to hear that a move is now underway for Elliott to depart, and it would certainly be for the best of his career at this point. The potential of a spectacular turnaround at Liverpool had always seemed remote for the former Fulham prospect this season, but it would have been nice nonetheless.Sadly, though, after the disappointment of missing out on matchday one, Elliott looks set to restart his career somewhere else.