'I'd just hit a nice drive!' - Ex-Liverpool youngster reveals shock golf course phone call from Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso after sparking transfer interest

Morton, who has been part of Liverpool's youth set-up since 2009, made his senior debut for the club in 2021 under Jurgen Klopp. In the following two seasons, he was sent out on loan at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City before returning to Anfield last summer. In the 2024-25 campaign, the midfielder failed to procure proper game time under Arne Slot as he made only five appearances across all competitions and did not feature at all in the Premier League.

During the last transfer window in the summer, Liverpool were looking to raise funds as they were still pushing for the signature of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. As a result, they decided to part ways with their youth player as Ligue 1 giants Lyon came up with an offer. The Premier League champions eventually sanctioned a move for the 22-year-old in a deal worth £15 million (€17.2m). 

Speaking to Sport Bible in an exclusive interview, Morton revealed that growing up, he used to idolise Spain legend Xabi Alonso, who spent five years at Anfield before heading to Real Madrid in 2009. Morton said: "I loved Xabi Alonso so I tried to copy him. He was different from everyone else."

The youngster then also revealed the story where he received a shocking phone call from his idol last summer. He said: "It’s a funny story. I was on a golf course with my mates at the time. I got a text from my agent, who said: 'Xabi Alonso’s going to call you soon'. I’d heard about the move but didn’t speak about it too much because I’d been told I wasn’t leaving Liverpool. I’d just hit a nice drive and was on for my first par of the day. I had to bin it off, but it was definitely worth it! He (Alonso) told me how highly he rates me as a player. They wanted to sign me."

Morton further opened up on why he did not end up joining Leverkusen that summer, as he added: "They (Leverkusen) came in quite late that summer, but I spoke to the manager (Slot) about it and Liverpool wanted me to stay. I spoke to my agent, and we were pushing a move, but it was difficult. "Liverpool told me I couldn’t leave at the time, which was fair enough, but if you want to go and play, then you’ve got to push it. I asked the manager. He was open with me and said he was going to keep me around. Nothing was going to change his mind. He needed me around the team as back-up. Some players have to take that role, and that’s the role he decided for me. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t ideal. I wanted to be starting games. If that was at Liverpool – the club I love – then incredible. But it wasn’t going to be."

Morton has enjoyed tremendous success in the Ligue 1 ever since he completed his move from the Premier League. He has featured in nine matches across all competitions, including seven Ligue 1 starts and has also scored a goal, which came against Rennes last month. He currently ranks among the best midfielders in the French top division when it comes to passing accuracy. The youngster will be back in action on Thursday as Paulo Fonseca's side host Basel in a Europa League clash.