Former Liverpool academy star Tyler Morton has candidly discussed the "difficult" decision to leave his boyhood club last summer, revealing that intense competition for midfield places ultimately forced his hand. The 23-year-old, who fulfilled a lifelong dream by winning the Premier League with the Reds, has now found a fresh start and regular football with French giants Olympique Lyonnais.
A Bittersweet Premier League Triumph
Morton's departure from Anfield came after 17 years associated with the club, culminating in the ultimate high of a league title win. In an interview, the midfielder expressed the conflicting emotions of that achievement. "Last year was amazing," Morton stated. "As a fan of Liverpool and a boyhood Red, if I had told myself when I was younger that I would be part of a Premier League-winning team I would bite your hand off."
However, the joy was tempered by personal frustration. Despite feeling "really ready to play for Liverpool," Morton found his opportunities severely limited under manager Arne Slot. He made just 11 appearances last season, a stark contrast to his current run of starting every available Ligue 1 match for Lyon.
The Midfield Logjam That Prompted a Move
The core reason for his exit, Morton acknowledged, was the sheer quality and depth in Liverpool's engine room. He specifically named the players ahead of him in the pecking order. "Playing behind the likes of Ryan [Gravenberch] and Dom [Szoboszlai] and Alexis [Mac Allister], all incredible footballers, so I appreciated that," he explained.
This fierce competition, coupled with a denied move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 and some injury issues, led Morton to seek a new challenge. A £15 million transfer to Lyon was completed in the summer of 2025, and he has since featured 21 times for his new club, embracing the change of scenery.
Thriving in a New Environment at Lyon
Now settled in France, Morton is unequivocal about his enjoyment. "I am loving it. Loving it," he said of life at Lyon. He praised the club's passionate fans, its rich history, and the tactical style of manager Paulo Fonseca, which he describes as "the perfect style for me."
Morton also highlighted the personal benefits of moving abroad, citing the experience of different cultures and pointing to the success of friend and former teammate Jarell Quansah at Bayer Leverkusen. "Sometimes the answer is not staying in England and the Premier League, it is to go to a big club in a different country and learn a lot," he reflected.
Despite the move, he maintains strong bonds with his Liverpool friends, including Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, and especially Harvey Elliott. "They are my closest mates... it is lovely to get feedback from players who are playing at such a high level," Morton added, underscoring the lasting connections from his Merseyside upbringing.
For Tyler Morton, the decision to leave home was significant, but the chance to play regularly for a historic club in a warm new environment has proven to be the ideal next step in his developing career.
