Paul Joyce: Liverpool could have a trick up their sleeve in pursuit of £85m forward

Unai Emery decided early in the season that Aston Villa would not proceed towards triggering the clause, effectively limiting Elliott’s Premier League involvement. The structure of the agreement meant Villa would be required to complete the permanent purchase if Elliott made ten league appearances.

Photo: IMAGO

As a result, Elliott has played only 277 minutes during the loan spell. For a player who had been named England U21 European Championship Player of the Tournament in consecutive tournaments, it has been a damaging campaign at a critical stage of his career.

RB Leipzig Interest Adds Intrigue

Elliott is expected to leave Liverpool permanently this summer, and RB Leipzig’s previous interest could become important.

The Bundesliga club were interested in Elliott last summer, although their valuation was understood to be closer to £20 million. That did not lead to a deal at the time, but the landscape may now have changed.

Paul Joyce of The Times has linked Elliott’s situation with Liverpool’s interest in Diomande, writing that should talks advance, “it would be no surprise if Elliott was mentioned as a means of bringing down the Ivorian’s £85million price tag.”

Photo: IMAGO

That line captures why this potential deal carries logic for all sides. Liverpool need to reduce the financial burden of signing Diomande, RB Leipzig already admire Elliott, and the player himself requires a clean break after a frustrating season at Villa Park.

Diomande Deal Would Fit Slot’s Rebuild

Liverpool’s recruitment team will know that Diomande represents both opportunity and risk. His pace, end product and age profile fit the model of a high ceiling signing, but an £85 million fee would place heavy pressure on immediate adaptation.

Using Elliott as part of the conversation could help Liverpool create a more workable package. It would not remove the complexity of the deal, but it could alter the financial equation enough to make negotiations possible.

Summer Decision Awaits

For Elliott, a move to RB Leipzig could offer the regular football he has lacked this season. For Liverpool, it could provide a route towards one of Europe’s most exciting young wide forwards.

With Salah’s exit set to leave a major void, Diomande will remain a name to monitor closely. Elliott’s difficult loan spell may yet become an unexpected factor in Liverpool’s attempt to reshape their attack.