Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Everton have been linked with a move for Tyler Morton, who was actually once on the Toffees’ books as a youngster.
Everton are said to be eyeing Morton, along with several other clubs in the Premier League, after the midfielder started the new season in fine fettle for Lyon.
At the moment Everton have plenty of midfield options.
But seemingly, the club might be looking at Morton as a potential long-term defensive midfield option, with new signing Christian Norgaard 32 and having only signed a two-year deal.
There is also the possibility that Everton’s resolve over James Garner could be tested next summer, especially if he has another season like he did in 2025/26.
But with Morton being an ex-Liverpool player, would a move even be possible? Some previous comments he made indicate it may not be out of the question.
What Tyler Morton said about leaving Everton as a kid
Morton came through the ranks at Liverpool, but before that he was actually at Everton when he was very young.
Indeed, Morton was on their books ‘at the age of four or five’ before he eventually went to the red side. But a few years ago, Morton was reflecting on that period of his life and was actually very complimentary about Everton and his experience at the club.
He said (via Liverpool Echo): “I played for Everton when I was younger, when I was a kid. I really enjoyed my time to be honest, even though I’m a Red.
“So yeah, I played for Everton when I was younger. I think I was four or five until about seven. It was very young, but I still weirdly remember it.
“It kind of got to that decision when you’re seven years of age and you pick a team. I picked Liverpool. Yeah (my family are), all Reds. I don’t think I had a choice, to be honest!”
Coming from a Liverpool-supporting family perhaps meant Everton were always up against it to keep hold of Morton.
These comments were made in 2023 when Morton was representing the England U21s. He had been due to play at Goodison Park against Northern Ireland in a Euro 2025 qualifier. And he was also complimentary about Everton’s training ground.
“I’m looking forward to it (playing at Goodison),” he added. “I’m not a bitter person you see, like a lot of them. I’m excited, really excited.
“Finch Farm is a good training facility and brings back memories as well from when I was younger. It’s lovely and I get to see people that I know because I know a few of the Everton lads. It’s brilliant for me.”
So Morton having previously been at Everton and having spoken so highly of the club only a few years ago, does suggest there could be a chance of a transfer in the future.
But his former club Liverpool are also said to be keen on re-signing him, which could certainly complicate things for Everton. And then there are several other clubs also in the mix.
For the moment, though, he is navigating his second season at Lyon. He’s started well so far and is also playing Champions League football. One would have thought that Everton might need to offer some kind of European football next season if the club are to really compete for Morton.