The decision to sell Tyler Morton and keep Stefan Bajcetic is putting Liverpool in a difficult position regarding squad depth, as the English midfielder is shining brightly at Lyon.
While Liverpool’s attack and defense have been constantly ravaged by injuries, the midfield is proving to be the most stable area under Arne Slot’s management. However, the stability of the core trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch is inadvertently masking a potential risk regarding squad depth, stemming from controversial personnel decisions made by Sporting Director Richard Hughes.
Stefan Bajcetic and the Endless Injury Cycle
Stefan Bajcetic was once considered Jurgen Klopp’s greatest discovery, a midfielder with excellent vision and press-resistant abilities. However, playing too much too soon before his body was fully developed has left serious consequences. After a loan spell at Las Palmas (2024-2025), the Spanish midfielder returned to Anfield with the expectation of being a quality rotation option for Ryan Gravenberch’s position. However, reality unfolded in the worst possible scenario.
In a press conference before the match against Newcastle, coach Arne Slot frankly admitted the young player’s predicament. The Dutch strategist said that Bajcetic is still unable to train with the team due to continuous setbacks in his recovery process.
Bajcetic faces the ghost of injury.
“He’s not training with the team,” Slot shared. “He keeps getting close to returning to training, but then he encounters small problems that stop everything.” This statement serves as confirmation of the status of a long-term “injured player” rather than a player who can actually contribute to the team during the intense period of the season.
Tyler Morton and the regret over Richard Hughes’ decision
Bajcetic’s prolonged absence has left Liverpool fans regretting the case of Tyler Morton. In the summer of 2025, Liverpool decided to sell Morton to Lyon for £15 million – a figure considered reasonable at the time to balance the budget. However, looking at what the English midfielder is showing in Ligue 1, many experts believe this was a mistake by the Kop’s management.
Tyler Morton shines at Lyon.
From a young player only really known through his loan spell at Hull City, Morton has completely transformed himself in France. Despite playing in a defensive midfield position, he not only excels at intercepting but also contributes directly to the attack. Morton’s consistency and especially his robust physical condition are exactly what Arne Slot craves to ease the burden on his key players.
Richard Hughes’ decision to place his trust in an injury-prone Bajcetic and let go of a Morton who is in the prime of his career is now receiving much criticism. While Morton is the heart of Lyon’s play, at Anfield, Slot is praying that his main midfielders don’t suffer any health problems.
Tyler Morton to Lyon.
Potential risks to championship ambitions
With the extremely high intensity of play required by Arne Slot’s system, the role of central midfielders is crucial. The lack of quality backup options like Tyler Morton could cost Liverpool dearly if key players suffer injuries or become overloaded during the second half of the season. More broadly, if Bajcetic cannot quickly regain his best form, Liverpool may be forced to spend heavily in the winter transfer window to fill the void they have created.
The stories of Morton and Bajcetic serve as a valuable lesson in evaluating the difference between theoretical potential and actual contributions on the pitch. Currently, Lyon is benefiting from the gem that Liverpool let go, while The Kop is still struggling with the issue of depth in midfield.