West Ham should sign Harvey Elliott if Liverpool make the midfielder available on realistic loan terms this summer.
Nuno Espírito Santo needs more creativity before the Championship campaign begins, while Elliott requires a club prepared to make him an important attacking player.
The 23-year-old has returned to Anfield after a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa. His reputation has fallen since he was regarded as one of England’s leading young midfielders, but the talent which earned him 149 Liverpool appearances has not disappeared.
Liverpool confirmed Elliott had scored 17 goals for the club before his temporary move to Villa in September 2025. He has also won major domestic honours and can operate from the right or through central areas.
Why West Ham should sign Harvey Elliott
West Ham’s goalless draw against Rangers exposed their shortage of players who can connect midfield with attack. ReadWestHam’s assessment of the four main West Ham squad holes identified a controlling midfielder and a left-sided attacker as priority additions.
Elliott would not solve every issue, but he could give Nuno a more inventive option between the lines. He receives the ball in tight areas, looks for progressive passes and can drift inside from a wide starting position.
Those qualities could become especially valuable against Championship opponents who defend deep at London Stadium. West Ham will often need patience around the penalty area rather than relying only on Jarrod Bowen to produce an individual moment.
The immediate analysis of the Rangers draw also highlighted how isolated Bowen and Taty Castellanos became without reliable service. Elliott could help West Ham sustain attacks and give their forwards more possession in dangerous areas.
Aston Villa spell should not define Elliott
Elliott’s Villa move became complicated by its financial structure. Reports stated that a £35m obligation would be activated after his tenth league appearance, but Villa did not want to trigger the permanent deal.
His lack of football therefore cannot be judged solely as a selection decision. The agreement left Villa reluctant to use him regularly, while Liverpool had little incentive to alter terms which could have guaranteed a substantial fee.
West Ham should avoid repeating that problem. A season-long loan with an obligation linked to promotion would offer a clearer solution.
Liverpool would retain the chance of receiving a permanent fee, while West Ham would reduce the financial risk attached to a player rebuilding his career. A structured agreement could also allow Elliott to prove his value before the Hammers commit significant funds.
Would Elliott accept the Championship?
The greatest obstacle may be Elliott himself. He is good enough to attract top-flight or European interest, and dropping into the second tier would represent a major career decision.
However, West Ham can offer a central role and a realistic route back to the Premier League. Bowen’s decision to stay also gives the club a leading attacker around whom Elliott could build an effective partnership.
There is no current indication that West Ham have reopened talks with Liverpool. Any move remains an ambitious suggestion rather than an active transfer story.
Even so, the fit deserves consideration. Elliott needs regular football in an attacking side, while West Ham need someone capable of unlocking organised defences.
A carefully structured loan could provide both clubs with an opportunity which did not exist when Liverpool valued Elliott at a premium last summer.
