Charlotte FC Coach Confirms Interest in Signing Liverpool Star Harvey Elliott

Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith has publicly confirmed the club's interest in signing Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott on loan during the January 2026 transfer window, offering him an escape from his struggling stint at Aston Villa. Elliott, on loan from Liverpool since last summer, has made only five appearances this season, prompting Villa manager Unai Emery to state they are unwilling to make the deal permanent due to the high cost tied to his appearances[1][2].

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Smith revealed he "put the feelers out" while in England, seeing an opportunity for Elliott to gain regular playing time at the MLS club until the World Cup break. "If he is not going to play at Villa and he can’t play anywhere else, then it would be an option for him to come and play some games," Smith said. The MLS window opens January 26 and runs until March 26, aligning with Elliott's need for minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the USA[1].

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano corroborated the interest, noting Charlotte FC is prepared to loan Elliott until June, when he could return to Europe. However, Liverpool lacks a recall clause, requiring mutual agreement from all parties—Liverpool, Villa, and Elliott—to terminate the current deal[2].

Complicating matters, Elliott has rejected the MLS move, viewing it as a career step backward at age 22. Reports indicate he prefers Premier League football, leaving him in limbo: unused at Villa, unwanted back at Liverpool under Arne Slot, and ineligible for other European clubs this season due to prior appearances for Liverpool and Villa[3].

Charlotte FC, led by former Villa boss Smith and GM Zoran Krneta, hopes the World Cup proximity tempts him, drawing parallels to their signing of Wilfried Zaha in a similar situation. Yet, Elliott's indecision persists amid the ongoing transfer saga[2][3].

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