Lyon has wrapped up the signing of 22-year-old English midfielder Tyler Morton, who came through Liverpool’s youth ranks. The deal could reach €15 million, and Liverpool will keep 20% of any future transfer fee. For Lyon, it’s a significant addition, but Morton steps into a club still finding its balance. The French side is caught up in an internal tug-of-war for control of Eagle Football Holdings, the group headed by American businessman John Textor.
Add to that a recent financial scare that nearly saw them drop to the second division, and the move becomes even more intriguing. It’s the sort of transfer that makes you wonder if it’s smart to put so much money into a player who hasn’t yet made a lasting impact in European soccer when the club itself is still trying to stabilize.
Who is Tyler Morton
Morton joined Liverpool as a kid, just seven years old, and climbed the ladder until breaking into the senior squad. His first taste of top-flight action came in the 2021–22 season, though regular starts never followed. Time on loan at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City brought him more minutes and some valuable seasoning. He’s also represented England’s youth sides, winning the Under-21 European Championship.
A technical holding midfielder with sharp vision and a good passing range, Morton is still outside the Premier League’s elite circle, and his long-term ceiling at the top level remains to be seen. At Lyon, there’s no easing-in period. He’ll need to adapt quickly, and one area to watch is how he handles the physical side of Ligue 1 and builds composure when pressured on the ball. If he nails those parts of his game, he could leave his mark in France.
The Lyon context
This is a club that’s just come through a messy season. Results on the pitch were inconsistent, but the bigger problem was financial. At one point, the French Professional Soccer League even ruled to send them down a division.
That decision was overturned on appeal, yet it exposed just how shaky the club’s management has been. Despite all that, Lyon has been active this summer, bringing in several new faces. Morton is the fourth signing, following defender Kluivert, midfielder Sulc and winger Afonso Moreira. Goalkeeper Matt Turner was also signed but quickly moved on to the New England Revolution.