Liverpool "keeping tabs" on ex-midfielder as January midfield search takes shape | OneFootball

Liverpool are continuing to monitor former academy midfielder Tyler Morton as Andoni Iraola looks to add another defensive-minded option to his squad. Morton left Anfield for Lyon in the summer of 2025 in search of regular senior football, and that decision has worked out well.

He became a regular in France last season and has remained heavily involved at the start of the new campaign, putting himself back on Liverpool’s radar ahead of January.

Liverpool monitoring Tyler Morton at Lyon

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are “keeping tabs” on Morton’s progress and view him as one of several possible options for the number-six role.

No concrete move has been made yet, while Lyon are reluctant to lose an important midfielder halfway through the season.

Morton made 43 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing two goals and three assists. He has remained a prominent figure this term too, starting four of Lyon’s first five Ligue 1 matches and featuring in Europe.

Liverpool sold Morton to Lyon for around £15million in August 2025 after he had made 14 senior appearances for his boyhood club. The Reds did not insert a buy-back clause, but they did secure a 20% sell-on clause, meaning they would receive a share of any future fee if he moves elsewhere.

Morton’s contract with Lyon runs until 2030, leaving the French club in a strong negotiating position.

Reds would have to pay a premium to sign the midfielder

There is something logical about Liverpool revisiting Morton.

He already understands the club, counts as homegrown and has developed considerably since leaving England. Most importantly, regular football in Ligue 1 has allowed him to become a more mature defensive midfielder rather than simply an academy prospect.

The difficulty is financial.

Liverpool sold him relatively cheaply because he needed minutes, but Lyon now have a long contract and no reason to negotiate in January. The lack of a buy-back clause means Liverpool would have to compete on normal market terms.

That does not make the move a mistake. Morton’s sale helped his development, and the 20% sell-on clause still gives Liverpool some protection if his value continues rising.

A January return therefore makes sense only if Iraola believes Morton is ready to play immediately. Otherwise, Liverpool would be better waiting until summer rather than paying a mid-season premium for a player they sold just 18 months earlier.