Andoni Iraola ends Liverpool star’s career after comment

Andoni Iraola has officially ended the seven‑year Liverpool career of midfielder Harvey Elliott after the player’s own selfish comment, leaving the former Star surplus to the new manager’s plans.

Iraola arrived at Anfield following a 2‑2 Premier League draw with Newcastle United on Sunday, taking over from Arne Slot after the Bournemouth coach’s contract expired. The Spanish manager faces the task of turning a side that finished fifth last season into title contenders.

Iraola’s first steps at Anfield

In his debut, Liverpool fell behind inside five minutes, exposing defensive frailties that Anthony Elanga later exploited to score. Cody Gakpo and a Dominik Szoboszlai penalty rescued a point, while Joe Willock added a goal that highlighted ongoing issues.

Squad depth concerns were evident on the trip to St James' Park, with only Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas and Alexis Mac Allister among the experienced names on the bench. Newcomers and youngsters filled the remaining spots, and Federico Chiesa missed out after a slight training knock.

Elliott’s future under the new regime

Harvey Elliott, a boyhood Liverpool fan who joined from Fulham in 2019, was notably omitted from the matchday squad despite no reported injury. The new boss, who demands high‑intensity running, appears unconvinced by Elliott’s suitability for his system.

Elliott’s season‑long loan at Aston Villa yielded only nine appearances, and Jurgen Klopp once called the midfielder’s limited game time his biggest mistake. After returning to Liverpool this summer, his physique was questioned, and he now sits behind Lewis Koumas in the pecking order.

Speaking on Liverpool’s pre‑season tour, Elliott said, “I’m still wanting to be selfish, doing what’s right for me,” acknowledging that a move away might be necessary to secure regular playing time. A departure would also remove his £65,000‑per‑week salary from the club’s wage bill.

REUTERS/Scott Heppell By  Calum Ritchie PM GMT+1 Calum is a GiveMeSport journalist, covering the biggest stories in world sport. Having taken part in the GiveMeSport Academy in early 2023, Calum joined the team full‑time in June of the same year before moving into the role of editor shortly after. This came after completing a Freelance Journalism course through the British College of Journalism. Having also produced news content for HITC Sport and Read Liverpool, he has created a wide range of content for GMS, including news, opinion, features, lists and viral sport content. The Year has already delivered a dramatic shift for the Reds.