Medical completed: Liverpool transfer news drops during first half of Athletic Bilbao friendly

As Liverpool dazzled fans at Anfield during their opening friendly against Athletic Bilbao, significant transfer news broke off the pitch — one of the Reds’ brightest academy graduates, Tyler Morton, has officially completed his medical with French side Lyon, bringing his time on Merseyside to the verge of a definitive close.

The news, delivered mid-match by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, confirmed that Morton’s £15 million move to Ligue 1 is all but finalized. While supporters were engrossed in the first of Liverpool’s two pre-season matches on the day, a different kind of movement was taking place behind the scenes — one that marks a poignant end to Morton’s Liverpool journey.

Morton, 22, had traveled with Arne Slot’s squad for their pre-season tour in Asia, featuring in the recent loss to AC Milan in Hong Kong. But his absence from both matches against Bilbao suggested that his departure was imminent. Now, that speculation has been validated, with only the official club announcement left pending.

A product of the club’s famed Kirkby Academy, Morton made his senior debut during the 2021/22 season and went on to make 14 appearances for the first team. His intelligent positioning and calmness on the ball earned praise from coaches and even teammates, with Thiago Alcântara once tipping him for a “bright and great career” in football.

That career now looks set to continue on the continental stage, with Lyon offering Morton the platform to compete regularly in Ligue 1 and potentially the Europa League. It’s a move that offers both opportunity and responsibility — a fresh chapter in a career still brimming with promise.

For Liverpool, the £15 million deal represents tidy business. With a 20% sell-on clause included, the club is safeguarding potential future earnings should Morton shine in France and secure a bigger move down the line. His sale also brings the Reds’ income from departures this summer close to the £145 million mark — a number that underscores the club’s ongoing transition under new management.

Morton’s departure also highlights the level of midfield depth currently available to Arne Slot. With stars like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Wataru Endō all fighting for minutes, the competition is fierce — and for a player like Morton, regular first-team football would likely be more attainable away from Anfield.

The midfielder’s maturity and willingness to take this bold step abroad speak volumes about his ambition. Rather than stagnate in the shadows of more experienced players, he has chosen a new environment where he can develop further and prove himself at a high level.

It’s also a timely reminder of how Liverpool’s academy continues to produce talent capable of thriving at the top level — even if not all of them stay at Anfield long-term. Morton follows in the footsteps of players like Rhian Brewster and Neco Williams, who sought first-team opportunities elsewhere after outgrowing the youth ranks.

While fans will undoubtedly feel a tinge of sadness at his departure, there’s also an air of pride. Morton carried himself with professionalism and humility throughout his Liverpool spell and never looked out of place when called upon at the senior level.

The final announcement from the clubs is expected within days. Until then, Morton’s story serves as a fitting subplot to Liverpool’s summer — one that balances exciting arrivals with respectful goodbyes. As Anfield turns the page to a new era under Arne Slot, Tyler Morton is preparing to write his next chapter in the heart of France.