The professional journey of a young athlete is rarely a straight line, and for Tyler Morton, the decision to leave his childhood home at Liverpool has turned out to be the catalyst for a remarkable rise. After finding himself on the periphery of a title-winning squad at Anfield, the 23-year-old midfielder took a bold step by moving to France to join Olympique Lyonnais.
Today, that decision looks like a masterstroke. His exceptional form in Ligue 1 has not only revitalized his career but has also put a host of Premier League giants on high alert. Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs reportedly monitoring his progress, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster return to English football that could net Liverpool a tidy financial bonus.
To understand why Morton is suddenly one of the most talked-about midfielders in Europe, one must look at his influence on the current Lyon side. Since his £15 million move in August, he has become the heartbeat of a team that is currently rewriting the record books.
Following a clinical 2-0 victory over Nice last weekend, Lyon celebrated their 13th consecutive win across all competitions a streak that has seen them climb from the lower reaches of the table to become a genuine force. Morton has been ever-present during this run, racking up 30 appearances, two goals, and three assists. His ability to dictate the tempo of a game and his defensive discipline have made him indispensable to the French club’s tactical setup.
It is this consistency that has drawn scouts from across the English top flight to the Groupama Stadium. While Chelsea, Newcastle, and Spurs are the headline names, interest is also said to be brewing at Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest.
These clubs see a player who has matured significantly since his days in the Liverpool academy. Morton was always highly regarded for his technical ability, but his time in France has added a layer of physical robustness and tactical intelligence that only comes with regular, high-stakes game time.
For Liverpool, the prospect of a Morton transfer is particularly appealing from a business perspective. When the club agreed to sell him last summer, they were careful to include a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the contract. With Lyon now valuing the midfielder in the region of £30 million to £35 million, the Reds stand to make a significant profit without lifting a finger.
If a deal is struck at the higher end of that valuation, Liverpool would be due a windfall of approximately £4 million. In an era where Premier League clubs must be extremely careful with their spending to meet financial sustainability rules, these kinds of clever clauses can provide the extra budget needed for future signings.
The irony of Morton’s success will not be lost on some at Anfield. Last season, as Liverpool marched toward the Premier League title under Arne Slot, Morton was a ghost in the senior squad. Despite being fit and available, he found himself trapped behind a formidable wall of talent, including Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
He made just five appearances all season, none of which came in the league. Reflecting on that difficult period, Morton has been candid about his frustrations. While he respected Slot and appreciated the manager’s tactical mind, he felt there was a fundamental lack of trust. In his view, his lack of minutes wasn’t a reflection of his ability, but rather a preference for more established names.
Rather than becoming bitter, Morton focused his energy on the England under-21 squad, helping them to European Championship glory last summer. That tournament served as his shop window, proving to the world and to Lyon that he was ready for a starting role at a major European club.
He made the conscious effort to stay mentally sharp and physically fit, even playing for the under-21s when many players of his age might have felt such a move was beneath them. This professional attitude is likely one of the key reasons why so many Premier League managers are now eager to bring him back to England.
| Tyler Morton Season Stats | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Liverpool (2024/25) | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lyon (2025/26) | Ligue 1 / Cups | 30 | 2 | 3 |
The tactical fit for a team like Newcastle United is particularly interesting. Eddie Howe’s side has been searching for a midfielder who can provide both energy and composure, especially given their recent injury struggles.
Similarly, Tottenham’s high-intensity style under Ange Postecoglou requires midfielders who are comfortable on the ball and capable of playing through a press. Morton fits both profiles perfectly. At 23, he is entering his prime years, and his experience in a winning Lyon side has given him a level of confidence that was missing during his final months in Liverpool.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the conversation around Morton will only intensify. Lyon is in a strong position; they have a player who is happy, performing well, and under contract. However, every player has a price, and if the Premier League’s heavy hitters start a bidding war, it may be too much for the French club to resist.
For Morton, a return to the Premier League would be the ultimate vindication of his decision to leave. He went away to prove his worth, and he has returned metaphorically at least as a player who is now widely considered one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
