Arne Slot is enduring the first real sticky spell since taking over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer of 2024. The Dutch manager is struggling to get his star-studded team firing this term, and even more painstakingly, some of the stars he allowed to leave the club are thriving in their new environments.
The biggest example of this would be Bayern Munich’s high-flying winger, Luis Diaz. The Colombian was a regular fixture in the Reds’ team under Slot as they ran away with the Premier League title last term. However, he’s managed to go to an even higher level since swapping Merseyside for Bavaria.
The struggles of Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah this term may have even been amplified by Diaz’s departure. However, another player who snuck out the back door to little fanfare at the time might just be the one that Slot could live to regret.
Liverpool’s Interest in Adam Wharton Raises Tyler Morton Question
Reports have emerged to suggest that Tyler Morton – who departed Liverpool over the summer to join Lyon – would be on Crystal Palace’s list of potential Adam Wharton replacements. Ironically, Slot’s men are said to be among the host of clubs tracking the Eagles star. So, in theory, both men could swap places.
The fact Palace are looking in Morton’s direction suggests Oliver Glasner’s side see the 23-year-old as a similar profile to Wharton. Which begs the question… why wasn’t he given more of a chance to prove himself at Anfield?
Morton made just 14 first-team appearances at Liverpool, with only five of those coming under the current manager. After amassing just 263 minutes of football for Slot, Morton was evidently behind Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo in the pecking order.
As a result, he opted to depart his boyhood club in search of regular football. That’s exactly what he’s got in France so far. Appearing 15 times for Lyon this term already, Morton has racked up almost five times the amount of minutes he was given last season.
He’s already made quite the impression on his new fanbase with a handful of masterful performances, including one against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain. If Slot couldn’t see the value in a midfield maestro like Morton, who relies on his technical nous and ability more than his physicality, will he do things differently with Wharton?
More than likely, yes. Given that it will take around £100 million to steal him away from Selhurst Park. Wharton’s ability is undeniable, as shown by his likely inclusion in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. However, the logic in giving Morton very few minutes before splashing a huge sum on a like-for-like replacement doesn’t seem the most sensible decision.
Liverpool Fans Fume at Tyler Morton Sale
In the wake of links to Wharton, Liverpool supporters have expressed their disappointment at an academy graduate not being given any sort of chance to prove his worth. One made the bold claim that they’d rather bring Morton back to Anfield instead of making another big-money acquisition: “I’d rather re-sign Tyler Morton than sign Adam Wharton for £100m.”
Another fan placed the blame at Slot’s door, as they stated: “Slot is killing us gradually and allowing all the young players to leave easily. Look at Tyler Morton at Lyon also.” Echoing those sentiments, one disgruntled fan even asked when Slot will answer for the decision to let Morton go:
“When will Arne Slot answer for letting Tyler Morton go and keeping Endo? No disrespect to Endo, but Morton is a Gravenberch mould player, 23 and HG. As well as letting Luis Diaz go, I still don’t understand this decision by Liverpool.”
One X user went as far as saying: “Liverpool have messed up big time,” while another expressed concern at the Wharton pursuit: “This is not ideal. We had Tyler Morton who has the same profile as him but somehow we let him go to sign another for 100m. FSG is not serious.”
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 17-11-25.
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