Tyler Morton Opens Up on ‘Difficult’ Liverpool Exit and Reasons for Lyon Move

For many young players, leaving their boyhood club is one of the hardest decisions they will ever make — and for Tyler Morton, that emotional farewell from Liverpool was no exception. After 17 years with the Reds, the 22-year-old midfielder has opened up about his difficult departure and the reasons behind his bold move to French giants Olympique Lyonnais.

Sitting in his new home in Lyon, Morton is full of laughter and humility as he adjusts to life in France. “No one understands me,” he joked, referring to his thick Scouse accent and his early struggles with French. “I’ve just started lessons. ‘Bonjour’ is about as good as it gets right now.” But despite the language barrier, Morton’s football has been speaking volumes. His performances in Ligue 1 have quickly made him one of the standout midfielders in France this season.

After limited opportunities under Arne Slot at Liverpool, Morton knew he needed to find a place where he could play regularly and grow as a professional. “I understood that’s what happens in football,” he admitted. “I had to leave to get the best out of myself.” His decision to move abroad has proven to be the right one — Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has described him as “a player made for our game,” praising his technical quality and intelligence on the ball.

For Morton, football has always been about passion and persistence. From a young age, he idolized Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso, often watching the Spaniard from the Anfield stands before heading to a local park to mimic his passing range. “I loved Xabi Alonso,” he once said. “He was different from everyone else.” Years later, Morton received a surprise phone call from Alonso himself while playing golf — the Leverkusen boss wanted to sign him. “It was one of those moments you dream of,” Morton recalled with a grin.

Despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta, and RB Leipzig, Liverpool chose to keep him last summer. “I wanted to play,” Morton said frankly. “The manager told me he needed me as backup, but that wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to start games, to be trusted.” The 2024–25 season under Slot was bittersweet for the midfielder — Liverpool lifted the Premier League title, but Morton made only five appearances, all in cup competitions.

Injuries didn’t help. A shoulder problem sustained against Southampton sidelined him for much of the campaign, though he still played through the pain in hopes of proving himself. Even after strong performances in the domestic cups, Morton often found himself overlooked in favor of younger players. “I felt like it was about trust, not ability,” he said. “When I got my chance, I gave everything.”

Despite his frustrations, Morton remained professional throughout. “I didn’t let my ego get in the way,” he added. “I stayed focused, kept training hard, and never let my head drop. That’s just who I am.” After undergoing surgery and recovering in time to feature in the Under-21 Euros — which England won — Morton returned to Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia. It was there that Lyon’s interest became serious.

“When Lyon came in, it just felt right,” he said. “I spoke to Fonseca, and he told me I’d be playing straight away. That’s all I wanted — a manager who believed in me.” On August 5, Morton officially ended his long association with Liverpool. “It was emotional,” he admitted. “I didn’t have time to say goodbye to everyone, but I sent messages thanking the coaches who helped me become who I am.”

In a classy gesture, Liverpool later sent Morton a replica Premier League trophy engraved with his name and number — a memento of his contribution to the club. “It meant a lot,” he smiled. “That’s Liverpool for you — pure class.”

Since arriving in France, Morton’s rise has been remarkable. From scoring the winner against Lille to earning the Player of the Match award on his debut, he has quickly become a fan favorite. His modern mullet and tucked-in shirt might grab attention, but it’s his maturity on the pitch that stands out. “I’ve still got a lot to learn,” he said. “The league is tough, but I love it here. Lyon suits me — we play real football.”

When asked what drives him most, Morton’s answer was simple yet powerful: “Hunger. After last season, I know what it feels like not to play. I never want that again. I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

Tyler Morton’s journey is one of resilience, patience, and belief — proof that sometimes, the hardest goodbyes can lead to the brightest new beginnings.