Well, more like "Mr. Alex Morgan to Lyon..." Olympique Lyonnais has apparently been courting Alex Morgan pretty hard, trying to entice her to their club to continue their habit of beating other teams in France’s top women’s division by five or more goals per game. There’s this article, which says that Lyon might want to offer Morgan’s husband, Servando Carrasco, a spot with their men’s reserve team. He's been entirely in MLS in his career: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servando_Carrasco http://www.transfermarkt.com/servando-carrasco/profil/spieler/174729
Not anymore. The program somewhat forced WNT players to come to the NWSL. Pre-WC in 2013/14, many were overseas. Press/Riley/Klingenberg/Harris/Engen/Averbuch/Levin in Sweden, Heath/Rapinoe/Horan in France. Before that, others like Krieger playing in Germany, Long in France. Right now the only one is Lewandowski who's in Europe. Been penalized for it as she has 1 cap at age 31. Plays for Bayern Munich. Obviously Morgan would still be a key piece if she went to France but generally the players have been told your chances for a callup are much better if you play here.
but why is that? Is it just to build up the domestic league? Simply cheaper for the federation so they don't have to pay for trans Atlantic flights?
Their CBA requires it, for the most part. The USSF funds their salaries in the NWSL and would rather they stay in the US where they can be watched more easily and protect USSF's invest. Plus, the WNT wants to bring players into camps for times outside the FIFA windows. They generally can't do that with players in Europe.
http://sbisoccer.com/2016/11/report-morgan-targeted-by-lyon-womens-team Still mostly about Alex: “Contact has been established,” said Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas. “There is work with her agent, herself and other players, and I hope we’ll achieve our goals. Next year, we’ll have an American player at OL.”
A bit more that focuses on Alex: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...morgan-olympique-lyonnais-20161201-story.html This article hints at more of a loan for the Spring situation, which might leave him in Orlando (or maybe a loan for him, too?). http://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2016/12/1/13812364/alex-morgan-to-olympique-lyon-rumors-intensify
No clear idea on the wages she's offered for France. In the US, she makes NWSL WNT obligated $72k + her WNT earnings. She can live comfortably on sponsorship money. A move to France might decrease some of the chances she has to play with the NT, even if only a 6 month loan.
Looks like the wife is going without him and will be back in May: http://www.theplayerstribune.com/alex-morgan-orlando-pride-uswnt/
Carrasco re-signed with Orlando. http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2...asco-new-deal-re-signs-kevin-alston-seb-hines