Liverpool Football Club is reportedly on the verge of sanctioning another significant summer departure, with promising midfielder Tyler Morton understood to be nearing a permanent move to French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon. The prospective transfer, valued at a total package of £15 million inclusive of performance-related add-ons, represents a strategic financial maneuver by the Merseyside club as the summer transfer window progresses.
Morton, a product of Liverpool’s esteemed academy, has garnered considerable attention for his potential, even attracting interest from then-Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in the previous summer transfer window. Despite the strong external interest, the decision was made for Morton to remain at Anfield to bolster squad depth during a demanding campaign that saw Liverpool clinch a major title.
However, despite remaining with the senior squad, Morton’s opportunities were limited, featuring in only five competitive matches across all competitions. Notably, none of these appearances came in the highly competitive Premier League, underscoring the challenge for young players to break into a fully established first-team setup at a club of Liverpool’s stature.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the Reds are now prepared to cash in on the homegrown talent. Morton is reportedly awaiting the final ‘green light’ from the club’s hierarchy before making the journey to France to undergo a mandatory medical examination, a standard procedure preceding any official transfer completion.
This potential Tyler Morton transfer follows a trend of Liverpool FC academy graduates seeking opportunities elsewhere on the continent. Morton himself was an integral part of the England Under-21 squad that triumphantly secured the European Championship title this summer, further raising his profile. He is set to join fellow highly-regarded academy products Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jarell Quansah, who have also opted for moves to European clubs.
Liverpool’s proactive stance in the player sales market comes after a substantial investment in new signings this summer, with expenditures approaching £300 million. The club’s financial strategy appears focused on balancing the books and adhering to financial fair play regulations, making strategic departures a critical component of their overall plan.
The impending departure of Morton, along with other recent sales, is crucial for offsetting the significant outlay on new talent. As the September 1 deadline for the football transfers window approaches, the Reds are expected to continue their efforts to trim the squad further, ensuring an optimal balance of talent and financial stability ahead of the new season.