Liverpool’s pre-season friendly against AC Milan on Saturday was interesting for a whole host of reasons.

The Reds are stepping up their preparations for the new campaign and every game takes them closer to peak readiness.

There were plenty of signs during Liverpool‘s 4-2 defeat that they are still some way from reaching that zenith.

In the meantime, there were also plenty of fascinating clues surrounding potential transfers during the match.

It's already clear what Liverpool's biggest problem could be next season after Reds lose to AC Milan - opinion	Liverpool 2-4 AC Milan: Live score, team news and updates as Reds lose thriller despite £116m Florian Wirtz making first start	Wirtz makes first start as Liverpool lose to Milan

One of these hints related to Tyler Morton, who was replaced by Trey Nyoni after just half an hour of Saturday’s fixture.

He did come back on during the second-half, but Slot’s decision suggested that Morton is not in Liverpool’s plans this season.

Interestingly, the 22-year-old spoke out after the game to suggest that the feeling in that respect is very much mutual.

Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

Morton cut a frustrated figure at times last season.

Given he only made five appearances all year long, that is understandable.

As we tick towards the new campaign, it may be a surprise to some that Morton is still part of the Liverpool squad.

He is getting dangerously close to staying for another year.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

Asked for his plans for the 2025/26 campaign by The Redmen TV after Saturday’s game, though, the midfielder admitted that he is definitely looking to play far more.

“I’m looking for game time, simple as that really,” Morton answered.

I learnt a lot from players, the manager and stuff but now I’m ready, I’m ready to play.”

READ MORE: Arne Slot confirms why Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez missed Liverpool’s pre-season game with AC Milan

Questioned on whether he was able to find any enjoyment from a year in which Liverpool won the Premier League, Morton said that while it had been great to be a part of things, he now wants to play more football.

“I’m a massive Liverpool fan so I loved celebrating with my family, my friends, I couldn’t have asked for a better year except for game time really!” he smiled.

“It was brilliant and I’m just happy for the whole of Liverpool, everyone who comes to every game to watch that team, we were brilliant last season so hopefully we can kick on and do even better this season.”

Although he did struggle at times against AC Milan, Morton also showed more than enough to suggest he deserves to play more regularly.

SeasonClubAppearancesGoalsAssists2021/22Liverpool9002022/23Blackburn Rovers46042023/24Hull City41352024/25Liverpool500Tyler Morton club career

However, with the options Slot has in his midfield, this is unlikely to happen at Liverpool.

West Ham are reportedly keen on Morton and should the Liverpool academy graduate get a move to east London, it would not be a surprise to see him excel.

A silky midfielder with lovely balance and an eye for a pass, Morton could make a mockery of his lack of minutes last wherever he goes next season.

But, unfortunately, with the standards as high as they are at Anfield, he is almost certainly going to have to move on to be granted his wish.
For more news relating to West Ham, visit our sister site WHU Latest Live.