Imagine a young English talent, once overlooked, now skyrocketing in value and knocking on the door of the national team. That's the story of Tyler Morton, the uncapped midfielder who has tripled his worth since leaving Liverpool. But here's where it gets controversial: is his success a testament to his own talent, or a reflection of Liverpool's misjudgment in letting him go? Let's dive in.
Last summer, Liverpool sold Morton to Lyon for a modest £15 million, a decision that now seems like a missed opportunity. The 23-year-old has been nothing short of a revelation in his debut season in Ligue 1, becoming a linchpin in Lyon's midfield under manager Paulo Fonseca. His ability to control the tempo, keep possession in the attacking half, and neutralize opposition threats has been exceptional. European football expert Andy Brassell boldly claims, 'He must be worth three times what Liverpool sold him for now.'
And this is the part most people miss: Morton's journey almost took a different turn. Xabi Alonso, fresh off Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga triumph, had his eyes on Morton to partner with stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. However, Arne Slot, newly appointed at Liverpool, blocked the move after failing to secure Martin Zubimendi. Despite this, Morton barely featured in Liverpool's title-winning campaign last year, making just five appearances across all competitions.
At Lyon, Morton has flourished, playing over 2,300 minutes across 30 matches this season. He’s contributed two goals and as many assists in 19 Ligue 1 games and has been a stalwart in Lyon’s Europa League campaign. His stats speak volumes: he leads Lyon’s midfielders in successful passes, touches, distance covered, minutes played, tackles, and interceptions. It’s no wonder he’s now on the radar for an England call-up, inspired by his former Under-21 teammate Alex Scott’s recent breakthrough.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Morton’s success a result of his own growth, or did Liverpool simply fail to recognize his potential? While Jurgen Klopp once labeled him 'brilliant' and Thiago Alcantara tipped him for greatness, the club’s decision to sell him now looks questionable. Meanwhile, Morton remains focused on the present, stating, 'It’s an objective to play for my country, but I’m thinking about playing at my best level. If I do that, it will come.'
Looking ahead, Morton’s future is bright. Brassell suggests that if Lyon were to sell him next summer, a £25 million fee would represent a 150% profit. But where does he go from here? A move to a Champions League club could be the next step, whether with Lyon or elsewhere. What do you think? Is Morton ready for the England squad? And did Liverpool make a mistake in letting him go? Let us know in the comments!
