Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly sent a pointed message to his successor, Arne Slot, regarding the future of midfielder Harvey Elliott, as transfer rumors swirl around the 22-year-old England U21 star. Elliott’s limited playing time under Slot during the 2024-25 Premier League season, coupled with his standout performances at the UEFA U21 European Championships, has fueled speculation about a potential departure from Anfield.
While Liverpool are reportedly pursuing a blockbuster signing to bolster their squad, Klopp’s warning underscores the risk of letting a talent like Elliott slip away, potentially leaving Slot with a transfer headache as he shapes the Reds for the 2025-26 campaign.
Klopp’s Regret and Elliott’s Situation
Jurgen Klopp, who left Liverpool in 2024 after nine years, expressed regret over not giving Harvey Elliott more playing time during his tenure. In May 2024, Klopp stated, “If I regret one thing a little bit, it’s that Harvey didn’t play often enough maybe,” highlighting Elliott’s impact during an injury-hit period when he was “probably our best player” on the right wing or in midfield.
This sentiment has resurfaced as Elliott’s future at Liverpool appears uncertain under Slot, who led the Reds to the Premier League title in his debut season. Elliott, who made 53 appearances under Klopp in 2023-24, saw his role diminish significantly under Slot, with only 28 appearances, including just six starts, totaling 822 minutes in 2024-25.
Elliott’s frustration has been evident. In June 2025, he warned Slot that he might need to leave Liverpool to avoid “wasting years” of his career, emphasizing his desire for regular game time at the age of 22. His comments came after a season hampered by a broken foot, which sidelined him for over two months, and fierce competition from players like Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and new signing Florian Wirtz.
Reports indicate that Brighton, among other Premier League clubs, are leading the race to sign Elliott, with a potential £54 million transfer fee mentioned. Former players Jermain Defoe and Joe Cole have urged Elliott to seek a move, arguing he is “too good to be sat on the bench at Anfield.”
Klopp’s reported message to Slot, described as a “warning,” emphasizes the danger of letting a player of Elliott’s caliber depart. Elliott’s recent heroics for England U21s—scoring a brace in a 2-1 semi-final win over the Netherlands to secure a place in the final against Germany—have only amplified calls for him to secure regular football.
His four goals in five matches at the tournament, including a stunning individual effort, have reminded Slot of his potential, with pundits like Mick Brown suggesting a move to Brighton could see Elliott return to haunt Liverpool.
Liverpool’s Blockbuster Transfer Ambitions
Amid the Elliott saga, Liverpool are reportedly “cleared to pursue” what could be the biggest signing in their history, with talks expected to accelerate in the coming days. The £100 million acquisition of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, completed in June 2025, already broke the club’s transfer record, suggesting this new target could involve an even higher fee or a player of global stature, such as Newcastle’s Alexander Isak or a speculative move for Kylian Mbappé. The Reds have already spent £170 million this window on Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong (£30 million), Milos Kerkez (£40 million), and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, reflecting Slot’s ambition to reshape the squad.
However, this aggressive transfer strategy has coincided with significant exits, including Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford, and Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million. Darwin Núñez and Andy Robertson are also linked with departures, while Elliott’s potential exit could further deplete Liverpool’s depth.
Klopp’s warning to Slot likely centers on the risk of losing young, homegrown talents like Elliott, who has made 147 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Fulham in 2019, scoring nine goals and providing 20 assists. His versatility across midfield and attacking roles makes him a valuable asset, and Klopp’s regret suggests Slot could face similar remorse if Elliott thrives elsewhere.
The Transfer Headache for Slot
Slot faces a delicate balancing act. His first season was a resounding success, with Liverpool clinching their 20th league title, and his transfer business—bolstered by Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez—has positioned the Reds as favorites to retain the Premier League and compete in the Champions League.
However, Elliott’s reduced role, despite Slot’s claim in May 2025 that he was “playing more regularly than earlier in the season,” has fueled discontent. The arrival of Wirtz, a direct competitor for Elliott’s attacking midfield position, has further clouded his future, with reports suggesting Liverpool are open to a £54 million sale to fund further signings.
The interest in Elliott, particularly from Brighton, poses a dilemma. Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Brighton are working on a deal, with Elliott’s performances at the U21 Euros strengthening their case. Jermain Defoe and Joe Cole have echoed this sentiment, with Cole stating, “He has to play,” and Defoe arguing Elliott’s talent demands regular minutes. A move to Brighton could see Elliott return to Anfield in the future, potentially as a star player, mirroring the career paths of players like Philippe Coutinho, who left Liverpool only to shine elsewhere.
Skepticism and the Bigger Picture
While the narrative of Klopp’s warning and Elliott’s transfer saga is compelling, the details remain speculative. Reports of Klopp’s message stem from sources like Sport Bible and Liverpool.com, but no direct quote from Klopp in June 2025 confirms a recent communication with Slot beyond his congratulatory message after Liverpool’s title win in April 2025.
The transfer rumors, while widely reported, rely heavily on social media and secondary outlets, with no official confirmation from Liverpool or Elliott’s representatives. The claim of a “biggest signing in club history” also lacks a named target, with speculation around Isak or Mbappé unverified by major sources like BBC Sport or Sky Sports.
Slot’s transfer strategy mirrors his approach at Feyenoord, where he sold key players after his first season to rebuild the squad in his image. The departures of Alexander-Arnold, Kelleher, and Quansah suggest a ruthless streak, but losing Elliott could backfire if he fulfills his potential elsewhere. Klopp’s regret over Elliott’s limited minutes serves as a cautionary tale, especially as Liverpool pursue a high-profile signing to maintain their competitive edge.
Conclusion
Jurgen Klopp’s reported warning to Arne Slot highlights the delicate situation surrounding Harvey Elliott’s future at Liverpool. As the Reds chase a potentially record-breaking signing, the risk of losing a homegrown talent like Elliott looms large. His U21 Euros heroics and Klopp’s past regret underscore his potential, but Slot’s squad overhaul and Elliott’s desire for regular football could see him leave Anfield for a reported £54 million, with Brighton leading the chase.
While Liverpool’s ambition to land a transformative player signals their intent to dominate, Slot must heed Klopp’s advice to avoid regretting the loss of a player who could haunt the Reds in the future. Until official statements confirm these developments, fans should approach the news with cautious optimism, awaiting clarity on both Elliott’s exit and Liverpool’s blockbuster pursuit.
