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Tyler Heaps and co. wasted no time making their first addition to the 2026 roster. Forward Lewis Morgan joins San Diego FC from the New York Red Bulls adding to the talented pool of players up front.
Details of the Deal
Morgan joins San Diego in exchange for $450,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2026, and up to an additional $650,000 in GAM if certain performance metrics are met. The Red Bulls will retain a portion of Morgan’s 2026 salary budget charge and will also receive SDFC’s natural third-round pick in the 2027 MLS SuperDraft.
In simpler terms, there is a sort of GAM loan going on here. SDFC has a surplus of General Allocation Money at the moment while the Red Bulls are in need of cap space and GAM. Both sides worked out a deal where SDFC would send GAM to the tune of $450K to New York, along with a 2027 MLS Draft third round pick. In exchange, NY would pay down some of Lewis' salary and return $525K GAM to SDFC in 2027.
The deal allows the Red Bulls to free up salary cap space as they move forward with their rebuild. Recently hired head coach Michael Bradley—son of the legendary coach Bob Bradley—has now taken the reins as the chief architect of the club’s overhaul.
Scouting Lewis Morgan
The Scottish international, Morgan, had only three MLS match appearances in 2025 before suffering a season-ending hip injury that required surgery and kept him out the rest of the season.
In 2024, Morgan showed the league what he can do. He made 29 MLS appearances in which he started 26 matches. Lewis netted 13 goals and five assists for a total of 18 goal contributions.
The main points of attraction for SDFC when it comes to Morgan is his versatility to play in different roles up front. He can play as a winger, collecting and distributing the ball. The Scot can also score as a dangerous number nine. He's got an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time, poaching goals, something that is a rare feat in a striker.
What makes Morgan so dangerous is his ability to finish with either foot. He showed a wide range of ways to beat the goalkeeper, striking from multiple angles and with both legs, each effort carrying the same threatening power.
Morgan’s main limitation lies in the creative side of his game. While he brings plenty of strengths as both a striker and a winger, he can struggle to create chances on his own. His 13 goals came from 12.5 expected goals (xG), suggesting he finishes efficiently when opportunities arise, but is less effective at generating something from nothing.
How Morgan Fits into SDFC's System
With San Diego FC joining multiple competitions in 2026, head coach Mikey Varas will need a deep squad. After all, it's nearly impossible to keep everyone healthy and fit while expecting to play in MLS, CONCACAF Champions League, and Leagues Cup.
Lewis Morgan adds to an already deep attacking group that includes Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, Anders Dreyer, Amahl Pellegrino, Marcus Ingvartsen, Alex Mighten, Tomás Ángel, and Anisse Saidi.
Ingvartsen, in particular, will be aiming for a strong return in 2026 after an injury-plagued 2025 that kept him sidelined for much of the season. Angel will look to reignite his career by proving to the coaching staff that he deserves another chance at the starting XI. Lack of production in the number nine role forced Angel to be demoted to the practice staff with hopes of improvement with time.
With quality options across the front line, competition for starting roles will be fierce—but an expanded match schedule should ensure ample opportunities for everyone to make an impact.
Morgan should find opportunities to make an impact right away due to his flexibility to play on the wings or in the center.
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