Tyler Morton Shines At Lyon After Liverpool Exit

Tyler Morton’s football journey has taken a dramatic turn over the past year, and the story of his rise from Liverpool academy hopeful to a standout performer at Olympique Lyonnais is one that’s resonating across both England and France. At just 23 years old, Morton has become a regular in Ligue 1 and a key figure in Lyon’s impressive Europa League campaign, all after his career at Liverpool seemed to stall in the wake of Jurgen Klopp’s departure and Arne Slot’s arrival.

Morton’s roots at Liverpool run deep. Joining the academy at the tender age of seven, he spent over a decade climbing the ranks, dreaming of starring at Anfield. His senior debut came at 21, a moment shaped by the faith of Jurgen Klopp, who saw in Morton the makings of a Premier League midfielder. “Jurgen Klopp was the best coach for my development,” Morton recently told Le Progres. “He believed in me and provided opportunities to play in critical matches.” Under Klopp, Morton was granted a taste of top-flight football and even featured in both the Champions League and the Premier League—a remarkable achievement for any academy graduate.

Yet, as is often the case in football, fortunes can shift quickly. Despite Klopp’s support, Morton’s first-team minutes were limited to just 99 last season. The landscape changed entirely when Arne Slot took the helm at Liverpool. Slot, known for his own tactical preferences and a willingness to reshape the squad, opted not to retain Morton. “With Arne Slot, I didn’t play as much as I wanted, even though I was ready. It was his decision, and I took it calmly, but I had to find another path,” Morton explained. “He was very open and very honest with me at the end of last season. We talked a lot, and he let me join Lyon. I will be eternally grateful to Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, in different ways. They are excellent managers, but also great men.”

Morton’s exit from Liverpool last summer, for a reported £15 million, was met with mixed feelings among Reds supporters. Some saw it as a necessary step for a player whose opportunities had dried up, while others questioned Slot’s reluctance to promote from within, especially given Liverpool’s proud tradition of nurturing academy talent. The debate has only intensified as Liverpool’s midfield has struggled to find the same cohesion it enjoyed under Klopp, with players like Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones battling inconsistency and new signings yet to fully settle.

Meanwhile, Morton’s move to Lyon has proven to be a masterstroke. In France, he’s emerged as a regular starter at the base of midfield, earning praise for his intelligence, vision, and defensive grit. This season, Morton has featured in 23 matches across all competitions—15 in Ligue 1, six in the UEFA Europa League, and two in the Coupe de France—amassing a total of 1,813 minutes on the pitch, including 1,317 in domestic league play. His statistics tell the story of a player growing in confidence and influence: he’s scored one goal, provided one assist, and even claimed a player of the match award.

Morton’s role in Lyon’s European campaign has been particularly eye-catching. He’s played 338 minutes in the Europa League, boasting a remarkable 91.34% pass accuracy across six matches, and has helped Lyon secure the top spot in their group with five wins out of six. His ability to cover ground—nearly 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) in European action—speaks to his work rate and stamina, while his ball recovery skills have drawn accolades from French media. According to Get French Football, Morton is “an outstanding ball recovery specialist” with “remarkable vision, notable accuracy and impressive defensive work.”

In Ligue 1, Morton has won 51 duels and made 17 tackles, demonstrating his prowess as a natural number six who links defense and attack. He averages 0.8 ball recoveries per match and has shown a knack for reading the game, attributes that have made him indispensable to Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca’s system. Morton’s partnership with players like former Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles has added steel and creativity to Lyon’s midfield, helping the seven-time French champions to fifth place in a fiercely competitive league, with Lens, PSG, Marseille, Lille, and Lyon all jostling for top honors.

Despite his club heroics, Morton is still chasing a dream that eluded him at Liverpool: a senior England cap. He’s on the radar, competing with the likes of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton—widely tipped as one of English football’s hottest prospects—and hoping his performances in France will catch the eye of national selectors. Morton’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability, qualities that have helped him thrive in new surroundings after a difficult farewell to his boyhood club.

Morton’s reflections on his Liverpool exit highlight the contrasting managerial philosophies of Klopp and Slot. Where Klopp was known for his willingness to give academy graduates a chance—think Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, and Conor Bradley—Slot’s approach has been more circumspect. The reluctance to rely on young homegrown talent, as seen with Morton’s departure and the club’s hesitance to promote Rio Ngumoha, has sparked debate among fans about the club’s identity and its future direction. As one commentator put it, “Maybe Slot is regretting letting Morton go.”

For now, Morton’s focus is firmly on Lyon, where he’s become a vital cog in Fonseca’s midfield machine. His performances have silenced early doubters and vindicated Lyon’s investment, while also serving as a reminder to Liverpool of what might have been. The French title race remains wide open, and with Morton anchoring the midfield, Lyon will fancy their chances of making a push for silverware both domestically and in Europe.

As the season unfolds, Tyler Morton’s story stands as a compelling example of how a player’s fortunes can change with the right move and the right environment. Liverpool’s loss has become Lyon’s gain, and with Morton’s star on the rise, the next chapter of his career promises even more excitement—for club and, perhaps soon, for country.