5 months ago
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Photo by Nigel French/PA Images via Getty Images
The holding midfielder impressed on loan with Blackburn and Hull City, but his future may lay away from Anfield
The holding midfield role for Liverpool is one of the more intriguing positional battles to watch this summer. There are currently several options within the senior team and the Academy, and the Reds could potentially test the market again for a more permanent long-term solution.
The current incumbent, Wataru Endo, stepped in and was solid in his first year for the Reds last season. At 31 years old, however, he is not expected to be part of the long term picture. Many believe Stefan Bajcetic is the heir apparent for the role, but the 19 year old Spaniard missed almost the entirety of last season with an injury and is still relatively untested at the senior level. Some corners of the internet have pushed for Trent Alexander-Arnold to make a permanent switch to midfield, though Gareth Southgate has shown how to minimized the Scouser’s world-class talents in that role for England set up this summer.
Also on the books for the Reds is Academy graduate Tyler Morton. The 21 year old broke onto the scene for the Reds in the 2021-22 season with a series of good performances while still a teenager. He enjoyed success while on loan with Blackburn and Hull City over the next two seasons, and has now played over 80 senior team matches and has been lauded for his press-resistance.
Morton’s performances have caught the eye of several top-flight clubs. According to Paul Joyce of The Times, German outfit RB Leipzig are looking to make a permanent deal with Liverpool for the holding midfielder. RB Leipzig are known for developing young talent, and could entice Morton with the opportunity to earn a more regular role in a top flight league than he would be expected to have with Liverpool.
No specific transfer fee for Morton has been mooted to this point. Liverpool set a £20 million valuation for defender Sepp van den Berg, and it would be reasonable to expect they would be hoping for a similar amount for Morton.
