Leeds United Transfer News: Ex-Liverpool attacker becomes a real possibility for Farke

Leeds United could have an opportunity to sign Harvey Elliott in January, with Football Insider reporting that Valencia are preparing to end the Liverpool midfielder’s loan when the winter transfer window opens.

The report claims Leeds remain long-term admirers and could make a move for the 23-year-old on a permanent deal.

Elliott joined Valencia on a season-long loan on 1 September 2026, with the agreement due to run until the end of the 2026-27 campaign. Neither an early termination nor a formal Leeds bid has been confirmed.

However, his limited game time across two loan spells raises a question for Daniel Farke: would signing him be a calculated risk worth taking?

Why Leeds Have A January Opening

Football Insider reports that Valencia have decided to send Elliott back to Liverpool in January. The report also claims Liverpool do not see a long-term future for him and that the midfielder would prefer a permanent move to another English club rather than another loan.

Several Premier League sides are expected to show interest. Valencia's official announcement confirmed that Elliott's loan would run until the end of the season, but the club has not announced any plans to end it early.

A January move will therefore depend on whether Valencia follow through with the reported decision.

His lack of playing time in Spain helps explain why a move could be on the cards. LaLiga records show that Elliott has made six league appearances, all as a substitute, playing 152 minutes without scoring or providing an assist.

His most recent appearance ended with a second yellow card and dismissal against Villarreal on 24 October.

Six appearances are a small sample, and it would be too soon to write off a 23-year-old on that basis. However, his lack of involvement makes a fresh start understandable and gives Leeds plenty to consider before committing to a permanent deal.

What Elliott Offers, And Why The Risk Is Real

Elliott's technical ability is not in question. Before his recent loan spells, he made 149 appearances and scored 15 goals for Liverpool, establishing himself as a useful option in their midfield. However, regular football has been harder to come by since he left Anfield.

During his 2025-26 loan at Aston Villa, he made nine appearances in all competitions, scoring once and playing 277 minutes.

Elliott was honest about how difficult his time at Villa had been. Speaking after Liverpool's friendly win over Wrexham in July 2026, he admitted that the experience had affected him mentally.

“Mentally, it was a very tough one. As I said, it’s a learning curve,” he said, as reported by ESPN.

He also returned to Liverpool hoping to earn a regular place in the first team. “I’m here now, and I’m trying to cement my spot in the team or within the squad,” he added.

Instead, he moved to Valencia, where he has again struggled to get regular minutes. LaLiga lists him primarily as an attacking midfielder, and his ability to play between the lines or from wider positions could give Farke another option in the final third.

Why a Leeds Move Could Be Worth the Risk

For Leeds, the appeal is clear. Elliott is left-footed, technically gifted, and has Premier League experience. He could help link midfield with attack, particularly in games where Leeds need more creativity through the middle instead of relying on width.

But his recent record also raises questions. He has yet to start a LaLiga match this season, and his lack of goals and assists means Leeds would be signing him based more on his potential and previous performances than his current form.

For Farke, much would depend on the transfer fee and the role he has in mind for Elliott. If Liverpool are willing to sell at a reasonable price, Leeds could bring in a technically gifted midfielder with plenty of time to get his career back on track.

A significant fee, however, would make the move much harder to justify. Ultimately, Elliott needs a club where he can play regularly and a manager willing to trust him.

Leeds could offer that opportunity, but whether the move makes sense will depend on the price and the role Farke sees for him.