Report: Liverpool agree fee with Lyon as homegrown star heads for exit

Morton deal advances as Liverpool accept Lyon bid

Liverpool have reached an agreement with Lyon for the transfer of midfielder Tyler Morton, with the player expected to finalise the move in the coming days. A five-year contract has already been agreed in principle, and Morton is due to travel to France to undergo a medical and sign his deal.

Lyon will pay an initial €10 million, with a further €5 million available in performance-based add-ons. The structure of the deal reflects both Lyon’s investment strategy and Liverpool’s willingness to allow the player to pursue first-team football elsewhere.

Although Morton has long been considered a promising graduate of Liverpool’s academy, opportunities at senior level have been limited. His departure follows a series of similar exits this summer and further signals the club’s ongoing reshaping of its homegrown core.

Homegrown departures continue at Anfield

Morton becomes the fourth homegrown player to leave Liverpool this transfer window, following the exits of three other academy-developed talents. That trend represents a shift in squad composition which raises questions over how the club intends to meet Premier League and UEFA squad requirements regarding locally trained players.

Liverpool must maintain a balanced number of homegrown players within their squad to comply with regulations. Selling another one without an immediate replacement suggests the club are prepared to operate with a smaller registered squad – a strategy that offers financial efficiency but risks reducing depth.

However, Morton was not expected to feature prominently in the upcoming campaign. While his technical quality and composure in midfield are valued, he faced stiff competition for places and did not feature heavily last season, even during injury crises.

Lyon secure low-risk, high-upside signing

For Lyon, the acquisition fits their long-standing model of recruiting talented young players who have yet to fulfil their potential. Despite Morton’s limited recent playing time, the fee agreed is modest by modern standards, and the upside is considerable.

Photo: IMAGO

The French side believe Morton can flourish in a new environment and grow into a key part of their midfield. The club has been monitoring his progress for some time, and sources close to the negotiation have indicated that personal terms were swiftly agreed once Liverpool gave permission for talks.

Morton’s development in Ligue 1 could represent a turning point in his career, and his adaptability is viewed as a particular asset in a league known for producing and nurturing young talent.

Liverpool’s midfield plan remains fluid

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will move to replace Morton in the current window. The club have already made several high-profile additions and are believed to be satisfied with the current midfield options available to the manager.

There is an understanding within the club that not every departing player needs to be directly replaced, particularly if they were not regular contributors. As such, Morton’s exit may simply create space for emerging talents or tactical flexibility moving forward.

Liverpool continue to explore options to fine-tune the squad, with further incomings and outgoings possible before the end of the window.