HARRISON, N.J. – The Red Bulls have acquired Scottish attacking midfielder Lewis Morgan from Inter Miami CF in exchange for $1,200,000 in General Allocation Money over two years, the club announced Sunday.
Morgan will occupy an international spot on the Red Bulls roster.
The Red Bulls will send Inter Miami $700,000 of GAM for 2022 and $500,000 of GAM for 2023. Miami also will retain a percentage of a future transfer.
Morgan, 25, has spent the last two seasons in MLS at Inter Miami CF. The Paisley, Scotland native has tallied seven goals and 12 assists in 57 appearances, which includes a five-goal, seven-assist 2020 campaign as an attacking midfielder. He was named team MVP that season.
“We are delighted to add Lewis as an attacking option,” head of sport Kevin Thelwell said in a statement “Not only does he bring a wealth of experience from Europe, but he has found success in MLS the last two seasons. We hope that his experience within the league will provide an immediate impact to our group.”
The 5-10, 165-lb. Morgan joined Celtic in January 2018, making his debut later that year in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Alashkert Yerevan. He made 31 appearances, including seven in the Champions League and eight in the UEFA Europa League. Morgan registered two Champions League assists and two Europa League goals.
“I am happy to have Lewis be a part of our squad,” head coach Gerhard Struber said in a statement. “He possesses the instinct and intelligence to recognize to get in behind, to open up passing lanes and create space. His ability against the ball to press and counter-press will also provide useful to our team.”
Inter Miami Chief Soccer Officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said the trade will give the club more flexibility in acquiring players.
“We’d like to thank Lewis for his tireless efforts since joining the club in 2020,” he said in a statement. “He has been an exemplary player for us on and off the field, and we wish him well in the future. This trade will help give us the flexibility needed to shape our roster ahead of the 2022 MLS season.”
Morgan said he enjoyed his two years at Inter Miami.
“Thanks to all the fans for everything and the great support they have given me over the last two years,” he said in a statement. “I’ve loved my time with Inter Miami. I feel a great connection with the club and I hope we can maintain that in the future. Hopefully, I’ll receive a nice reception when I come back to see everyone. It’s sad that I can’t be part of the journey going forward but it’s for the good of the club.
“It was important that someone had to go, and if it benefits the club and benefits myself as I start a new chapter in New York, then everyone wins. I’ve enjoyed my time here, I’m grateful for the support from everyone and I’ll forever be a fan of this Club. Now, I’m looking forward to a new journey,”
The 25-year-old also showed his versatility late in 2019, filling in as a striker for several important matches including the Scottish League Cup final, a silverware-winning 1-0 triumph for Celtic. Morgan spent the second half of the 2018-19 season on loan at Sunderland AFC where he made 22 appearances. He tallied two goals and four assists for the club including a crucial goal that helped the team reach the EFL Trophy final.
He began his professional career at Saint Mirren Football Club in Scotland after years in the Rangers Football Club Academy. At St. Mirren, Morgan enjoyed a productive spell, registering 18 goals and 13 assists across all competitions in the 2017-18 season. He made 118 appearances for the club, totaling 29 goals and 23 assists.
