RB Leipzig Close In on Harvey Elliott as Liverpool Face Crucial Transfer Decision
RB Leipzig are stepping up their pursuit of Harvey Elliott, with the Bundesliga side preparing to table an official bid in the closing days of the summer transfer window. With just under two weeks left before the deadline, the German club appear determined to lure the 22-year-old away from Anfield.
Elliott’s future at Liverpool has been uncertain for months. Despite being one of England’s brightest young attacking midfielders, he has struggled to secure consistent playing time under new manager Arne Slot. Reports suggest that the former Fulham prodigy has now reluctantly come to terms with the reality that breaking into the Dutchman’s starting XI may not be possible this season. Evidence of his diminishing role is already visible — he played only six minutes in the Community Shield defeat and failed to come off the bench in Liverpool’s Premier League win over Bournemouth.
Leipzig Preparing an Offer
Reliable sources indicate that RB Leipzig are ready to submit an opening bid worth around €30m (£25.9m) for Elliott. However, Liverpool value him closer to €40m (£34.5m). Negotiations are expected to focus on bridging this gap through add-ons, bonuses, and structured payments — a method often used in modern transfers.
On the personal side, things are moving quickly. Leipzig have already reached a verbal agreement with Elliott over personal terms, with the player’s representatives working on a four-year deal worth between €3m and €4m annually (£2.6m–£3.4m). This represents a significant salary increase compared to his current contract at Anfield, which pays him just over £2m per year. The England U21 international is said to be enthusiastic about the move, knowing it could offer him the consistent game-time he craves.
Liverpool’s Dilemma
From Liverpool’s perspective, the potential sale poses both an opportunity and a risk. Financially, it makes sense. Having signed Elliott from Fulham in 2019 for a modest compensation package of around £1.5m (plus performance-related add-ons), a sale in the region of £30m–£35m would represent a considerable profit. In business terms, it could be viewed as smart trading — especially with the player not considered central to Slot’s plans.
Yet, the sporting reality is more complicated. Allowing Elliott to leave could further weaken Liverpool’s attacking depth. The club has already lost several key forwards this summer: Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez were sold, while young prospect Ben Doak was also allowed to depart. To make matters worse, Diogo Jota tragically passed away in July, leaving a major gap in the frontline.
Although the recent blockbuster signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle is expected to bolster the squad, doubts remain about whether Liverpool can afford to let another versatile attacker leave so soon. Newcastle, for their part, remain firm in their stance that Isak will not be sold easily, despite his own cryptic social media outbursts earlier in the week.
A Defining Decision Ahead
For Liverpool, the Elliott situation is a delicate balancing act. On one hand, the club could bank a large profit while granting a loyal young player the chance to develop elsewhere. On the other, they risk further depleting an already fragile attacking unit at a crucial stage of the season.
Ultimately, this decision could shape not only Elliott’s career but also Liverpool’s ambitions for the year ahead. Fans will be hoping that whichever path the club chooses, it will prove to be the right one in hindsight.
