Liverpool are poised for a potential multi-million pound windfall thanks to a shrewd contractual clause, as academy graduate Tyler Morton is already attracting Premier League interest following his summer departure.
The Lyon Transfer and the Crucial Clause
Tyler Morton completed a permanent move from Liverpool to French Ligue 1 side Lyon during the summer transfer window. The deal, however, was structured with Liverpool's future benefit in mind, incorporating a 20% sell-on clause. This means the Merseyside club will receive a significant percentage of any future transfer fee Lyon secure for the midfielder.
The 23-year-old England Under-21 international was eager to establish himself as a senior regular, a opportunity that materialised when Lyon approached in late July. His departure came after the Liverpool squad returned from their pre-season tour of the Far East at the start of August.
Xabi Alonso's Interest and Morton's Anfield Exit
Morton's path away from Anfield was not straightforward. He recently revealed to SportBible that Xabi Alonso, while still manager of Bayer Leverkusen, had personally contacted him about a potential transfer.
"I was on a golf course with my mates at the time," Morton recounted. "I got a text from my agent, who said: 'Xabi Alonso's going to call you soon'. I'd heard about the move but didn't speak about it too much because I'd been told I wasn't leaving Liverpool. Xabi told me how highly he rates me as a player. They wanted to sign me."
Despite Alonso's persuasive efforts, then-Liverpool manager Arne Slot was adamant about keeping the player. Morton discussed the situation with Slot, who confirmed he would be staying with the first-team squad. A shoulder injury in January further complicated any potential mid-season exit, ultimately leading to his permanent sale the following summer after making 14 total appearances for his boyhood club.
Crystal Palace Links and Liverpool's Potential Payday
Despite a positive start to his career in France, Morton is now being linked with a swift return to the English top flight. French publication Jeunes Footeux reports that Crystal Palace are showing a strong interest in the midfielder.
The report suggests the Eagles see Morton as a potential long-term successor to Adam Wharton, preparing for a scenario where the England international might depart Selhurst Park. This interest arrives at an opportune time for Lyon, whose general manager Michael Gerlinger has publicly acknowledged the club's financial difficulties, stating that "financially, things are not going very well."
While Morton is reportedly settled in France and not actively seeking a move, the allure of the Premier League could prove tempting for the ambitious youngster. Should Crystal Palace formalise their interest and trigger a transfer, Liverpool's 20% sell-on clause would instantly activate, handing the Reds an unexpected and substantial financial boost from a player they already sold.
