Tyler Morton has revealed how Liverpool blocked a potential move to Bayer Leverkusen last summer, a decision that ultimately determined the midfielder’s path to Lyon earlier this year.
The Reds had made a calculated choice in agreeing to a £15 million move for Morton, with the thinking seeming logical at the time. Ryan Gravenberch had emerged as Arne Slot’s preferred midfielder, while Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo were brought in to provide depth. But just months later, the story has changed dramatically.
The 22-year-old has quickly established himself as a standout player for Lyon and has become a fan favorite thanks to his composure in possession and intelligence off the ball. Supporters who followed his progress through Liverpool’s academy have long believed a path to first-team midfield was achievable.
Many expected his impressive loan spell at Hull City during the 2023-24 season to secure a role in Slot’s rotation. Instead, his influence has now been exported to Ligue 1, where he is flourishing.
Speaking candidly about his final season at Liverpool, Morton was candid about the lack of opportunities he was given under Slot and the feeling that confidence was lacking.
“I think he thought I was a good player but I don’t feel there was that much confidence. In my opinion the limited opportunities were down to confidence and not ability,” Morton told SPORTbible.
He reflected on the cup appearances he did make: “When I got my chance in the cup I felt I played well. That’s all I could say. I stuck with it, stayed focused, made it to the end of the season and played in the European Under-21 Championship, which was great.”
Despite his frustrations, Morton emphasized his professional attitude throughout the season.
“I’ve had a few conversations with him [Slot] during the season. “A lot of footballers can be bitter when they don’t play and let their ego get in the way, but I’m not that type of guy,” he said.
Morton admitted that he disagreed with the limited opportunities he was given, but accepted that it was largely out of his control.
“Personally, I didn’t agree with the limited amount of playing time I got last season, but I had no control over that. I did everything I could. I played for the under-21s, while many players didn’t want to.”
I did everything I could to stay fit and mentally focused for when my time came, and I was still given limited opportunities. I just wanted to play. I don’t think I asked for too much, even if it was coming off the bench in the Premier League… whatever, to be honest.”
A key moment of frustration came during Liverpool’s Champions League trip to PSV, where Morton had hoped to play.
“I think the PSV match – when I had to keep my mind completely on it – was difficult. It was a deadly match, they were already through in the Champions League and I didn’t start. Then pure frustration came into play,” he admitted.
Morton also revealed that he had played through pain to try and earn minutes. ‘I had agreed to mine [shoulder] operation a few weeks after the match against PSV, but I played through the pain for that chance to play in the Champions League.”
Despite the disappointment of his final season at Liverpool, Morton has made a strong start in France. He has already played eight times for Lyon, including twice in European competition, and scored his first goal for his new club.
Under manager Paulo Fonseca, Morton has become a regular in midfield, a consistency he has never enjoyed at Anfield.
Reflecting on his journey, Morton said, “I’m really proud of myself for getting through last season and putting myself in this position.”
Morton’s move to Lyon came after a season in which he barely featured for Liverpool’s first team. He did not play a single minute in the Premier League as Liverpool secured the title and was limited to cup matches, which was further curtailed by a shoulder injury from January.
Morton ended up representing the Under-21s in the final weeks of the season, highlighting the gap between his potential and the opportunities he was given at his boyhood club.
Liverpool had initially blocked a move to Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the 2024/25 season, a chance for Morton to link up with one of his boyhood idols, Xabi Alonso. That disappointment lingered, alongside the feeling that Slot did not have enough confidence in him.
Yet Morton has found a platform in Lyon to showcase the quality that Liverpool fans have long admired.
He started six of Lyon’s seven league games this season, missing one through suspension and scoring the winning goal against Lille at the end of September.
The midfielder has finally found the regular first-team football he craved, and after 17 years at Liverpool, he is proving himself once again.
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