Tyler Morton left Liverpool in the summer after being told by Arne Slot that he was not part of the Dutchman’s plans at Anfield, with the midfielder now at Lyon
Ex-Hull City star Tyler Morton has revealed details of the ‘very honest’ conversations he had with Arne Slot when informed he wasn’t included in the head coach’s Liverpool plans.
The England hopeful has also expressed his ‘eternal’ gratitude towards both the current Reds manager and his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
Morton dedicated 17 years to Liverpool, progressing through their youth system to feature in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, before severing his lengthy ties with the club during the summer.
The 22-year-old secured a move to Lyon in a transaction valued at £15m, including achievable bonuses, with Liverpool also securing a 20 per cent sell-on clause within the agreement.
The transfer materialised following Morton’s discussions with Slot regarding his prospects after being limited to merely five outings – with no Premier League involvement – during the previous campaign, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The midfielder had appeared more frequently under Klopp during his breakthrough season at Anfield before enjoying productive temporary stints in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers and subsequently Hull City, where he was a firm fan favourite during the campaign, in which Liam Rosenior’s side narrowly missed out on the top six.
City did consider a move for Morton in January this year, but the financials involved in the deal meant the club could not get the deal over the line.
Morton, who featured in the Champions League encounters at home against Porto and away to AC Milan during the 2021-22 season, commented: “Jurgen Klopp was the best coach for my development. I think at that moment, I was ready to play.
“I’m not saying that no one believed it, but I think I was ready, and Klopp thought so too. He gave me the opportunity to play on the biggest stage for a very big club. He believed in me, allowed me to go out on loan, to develop.
“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. He was very open and very honest with me at the end of last season.
“We talked a lot, and he let me join OL (Lyon). It was the best decision. I will be eternally grateful to Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, in different ways. They are excellent managers, but also great men.
“Jurgen just wanted the best for me, he made me play great games in the Champions League and the Premier League. It was a great time, he helped me improve at every level.”
Morton transferred to Lyon in August after aiding England in retaining their UEFA European Under-21 Championship title, with his cross in the final against Germany being converted by Jonathan Rowe to secure an extra-time 3-2 victory.
When questioned about his aspirations to break into the senior England squad ahead of the World Cup, Morton stated: “I’m a very ambitious person. I’d like to play for my country first, before thinking about the World Cup.
“A World Cup is an important step in a player’s career, and it would be incredible. I hope to have the opportunity, if I continue to play, play well, and enjoy myself here.”
Morton was a regular starter as he aided Lyon to three consecutive Ligue 1 victories before being sent off in their 3-1 defeat at Rennes.
In a chat with Le Progres, he expressed: “The quality and intensity of French football are comparable to those of the Premier League, from what I’ve already seen. To make yourself known, to develop, you have to play in different leagues, to test yourself.
“Last summer, I didn’t have so many opportunities in the Premier League. Coming here was a good decision; I wouldn’t change anything today. I love being here, I love the fans, the players at the club. I’m living in a really exciting time.”
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