San Diego FC Make Their Move for Scottish Speedster
San Diego FC just made a statement. The expansion club locked down Lewis Morgan from the Red Bull New York in a deal that sends serious ripples through the Western Conference. They’re not just building a roster—they’re building a weapon.
The 29-year-old Scottish international brings pace, versatility, and a proven track record to America’s Finest City. Morgan can play anywhere across the front three, which gives head coach Mikey Varas the kind of tactical flexibility that keeps opposing defenses guessing all night long.
Here’s what San Diego is sending east: up to $1.1 million in General Allocation Money, with $450k guaranteed in 2026 and another $650k that could follow based on performance triggers. The Red Bulls also snagged San Diego’s natural third-round pick in the 2027 SuperDraft. In return, SDFC gets $525k GAM back in 2027, and New York retains a chunk of Morgan’s 2026 salary budget hit.
A Comeback Kid With Serious Credentials
Morgan isn’t some unknown quantity. He’s a guy who survived the grind, fought back from devastating injuries, and emerged as the 2024 MLS Comeback Player of the Year. After missing most of 2023 and 2025 due to injury setbacks, Morgan roared back last season with 13 goals for the Red Bulls—leading the team—and helped drag them all the way to MLS Cup.
Over six years in MLS split between Inter Miami CF and New York, Morgan has racked up 38 goals and 17 assists in 140 combined appearances across all competitions. That’s production. That’s reliability when healthy.
The former Celtic attacker also brings international pedigree. He’s earned seven caps with Scotland, including appearances at UEFA Euro 2024. That’s the kind of resume that makes San Diego fans sit up and pay attention.
“Lewis is an attacker who can play across the front three and brings qualities that will add to our group in 2026,” said SDFC sporting director Tyler Heaps. “He’s proven he can contribute goals and assists in this league, and we look forward to welcoming him to San Diego when we start preseason in the new year.”
What This Means for Both Clubs
For San Diego, this is about momentum. They just wrapped a historic debut season with 63 points and 19 wins—both expansion records—and pushed deep into the playoffs before bowing out in the Western Conference Final. Adding Morgan keeps that energy rolling into Year Two.
For the Red Bulls? This is a full-on teardown. Their 15-year playoff streak just ended. They finished 10th in the East with 43 points. New York is stockpiling allocation money and draft picks, signaling a rebuild that could take a minute.
Morgan is under contract through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028. San Diego gets a proven goal-scorer in his prime. New York gets financial flexibility and future assets. It’s the kind of deal that makes sense for both sides, even if the timing stings a bit for Red Bulls fans.
The West just got more dangerous. And San Diego FC isn’t playing around.
