Tyler Morton Reveals Xabi Alonso FaceTime and Admits “Very Frustrating” Situation

Former Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton has opened up about a surprising FaceTime call from his boyhood idol, Xabi Alonso, now Real Madrid's manager, during a pivotal moment in his career. The 22-year-old, who recently joined Lyon for €15 million after 17 years at Anfield, described the interaction as a dream come true but ultimately "very frustrating" due to Liverpool's decision to block his move.^[1][2][3]

Morton recounted the memorable incident while playing golf with friends last summer. His agent texted that Alonso, then Bayer Leverkusen's manager, was about to call. Midway through a drive shot, Morton's phone rang—it was Alonso on FaceTime. "I'd just hit a nice drive!" Morton laughed, recalling how Alonso praised his talent and expressed Leverkusen's strong interest in signing him, even considering a loan.^[1][3]

Growing up, Morton idolized Alonso, watching him from the Anfield Road stand and practicing his precise passes in local parks. "I loved Xabi Alonso... He was different from everyone else," he said. The call reignited hopes of working with his hero, but Liverpool blocked the transfer, prioritizing depth with players like Ryan Gravenberch, Stefan Bajcetic, and Wataru Endo.^[2][3][4]

The 2024-25 season proved tough for Morton at Liverpool under Arne Slot. Despite the Reds winning the Premier League, he played zero league minutes, limited to cups before a shoulder injury sidelined him. He finished with the U21s, feeling overlooked despite successful loans at Blackburn and Hull.^[2][4]

Now thriving at Lyon under Paulo Fonseca, Morton has started most games, scoring a winner against Lille and forming a solid pivot with Tanner Tessmann. "I’m really proud... getting myself to this position," he reflected, embracing regular football after the "difficult" Anfield exit. Fresh off England's U21 Euros triumph, Morton eyes senior international chances.^[2][4]

The blocked Leverkusen move lingers as a regret, but Lyon has transformed the "Liverpool outcast" into a star, validating his potential.^[4]

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