The appearance-related trigger inserted into Harvey Elliott’s loan move to Aston Villa only applies to Premier League matches.
The 23-year-old joined Villa last summer on an initial loan deal which would become a permanent if he played ten games. Villa would be obliged to pay a fee that club sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say is £30million, while Liverpool say it is £35m.
That clause, however, does not apply to all competitions, and therefore Elliott is available to play for Unai Emery’s side in the Europa League — where they have reached the round of 16 — and has been free to play in European matches and domestic cup games all season.
Elliott has appeared four times in the Premier League, twice in the Europa League and once in the Carabao Cup.
He is currently sidelined with a minor injury but is expected to be available for Villa’s last-16 tie.
Speaking to reporters in his pre-Leeds United press conference, Emery said: “He is injured now. He is not available because of injury,” Emery explained. “I was so clear one month ago. I think we must carry on, and of course help him as much as we can. Then, try to make him feel comfortable here.
“He is going to be available more or less to play in Europe. We are now in January, trying to focus on the Premier League, trying to focus on Europe.”
Earlier this season, Emery decided he was not part of his long-term plans. The decision was based around a lack of trust for Elliott to carry out his specific tactical instructions and prefers other players instead, and has wanted to avoid making the deal permanent.
There was no resolution in the January window and a termination of the deal would have been required required as there was no recall clause inserted. Villa would have had to pay a fee, something they were unwilling to do, and Liverpool were not prepared to waive it.