San Diego, CA, December 17, 2025
San Diego FC has successfully acquired Scottish winger Lewis Morgan from the New York Red Bulls in a significant trade deal involving General Allocation Money and a SuperDraft pick. This move aims to enhance San Diego’s attacking lineup following their remarkable inaugural season in Major League Soccer. Morgan, who has a diverse professional history, garnered accolades as the 2024 MLS Comeback Player of the Year. The Red Bulls are focusing on restructuring after a disappointing season.
San Diego FC Acquires Lewis Morgan from New York Red Bulls
San Diego, CA – San Diego FC has secured the services of Scottish winger Lewis Morgan from the New York Red Bulls in a trade finalized on December 16, 2025. The deal includes up to $1.1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) and a SuperDraft pick in exchange for Morgan and $525,000 GAM.
Details of the Trade
In the transaction, San Diego FC receives Lewis Morgan and $525,000 GAM. The New York Red Bulls receive up to $1.1 million in GAM, comprising $450,000 guaranteed for 2026 and up to $650,000 in conditional GAM. Additionally, the Red Bulls retain a portion of Morgan’s 2026 salary budget charge and receive San Diego’s natural third-round pick in the 2027 MLS SuperDraft.
Player Profile
Lewis Morgan, 29, has a diverse professional background, having played for Celtic, St Mirren, Sunderland, Inter Miami, and the New York Red Bulls. He joined the Red Bulls in 2021 and was named the 2024 MLS Comeback Player of the Year after leading the team with 13 goals. However, injuries limited his appearances in 2023 and 2025, with Morgan featuring only three times in the 2025 season.
San Diego FC’s Recent Performance
San Diego FC concluded their inaugural season with a historic performance, setting expansion club records with 63 points and 19 wins. They advanced to the Western Conference Final in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, marking a strong start in their MLS journey.
New York Red Bulls’ Transition
The Red Bulls are undergoing a period of transition following the end of their 15-year playoff streak, finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference with 43 points. The trade of Morgan aligns with the club’s efforts to rebuild and reshape their roster for future success.
Looking Ahead
Morgan is under contract with San Diego FC through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028. His addition is expected to bolster San Diego’s attacking options as they aim to build on their promising debut season in Major League Soccer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the terms of the trade between San Diego FC and New York Red Bulls?
San Diego FC receives Lewis Morgan and $525,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM). The New York Red Bulls receive up to $1.1 million in GAM, comprising $450,000 guaranteed for 2026 and up to $650,000 in conditional GAM. Additionally, the Red Bulls retain a portion of Morgan’s 2026 salary budget charge and receive San Diego’s natural third-round pick in the 2027 MLS SuperDraft.
What is Lewis Morgan’s professional background?
Lewis Morgan, 29, has played for Celtic, St Mirren, Sunderland, Inter Miami, and the New York Red Bulls. He joined the Red Bulls in 2021 and was named the 2024 MLS Comeback Player of the Year after leading the team with 13 goals. Injuries limited his appearances in 2023 and 2025, with Morgan featuring only three times in the 2025 season.
How did San Diego FC perform in their inaugural MLS season?
San Diego FC concluded their inaugural season with a historic performance, setting expansion club records with 63 points and 19 wins. They advanced to the Western Conference Final in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, marking a strong start in their MLS journey.
What is the current status of the New York Red Bulls?
The Red Bulls are undergoing a period of transition following the end of their 15-year playoff streak, finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference with 43 points. The trade of Morgan aligns with the club’s efforts to rebuild and reshape their roster for future success.
What are the terms of Lewis Morgan’s contract with San Diego FC?
Morgan is under contract with San Diego FC through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028. His addition is expected to bolster San Diego’s attacking options as they aim to build on their promising debut season in Major League Soccer.
Key Features of the Trade
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Players Involved | Lewis Morgan (San Diego FC), $525,000 GAM (San Diego FC); Up to $1.1 million GAM, SuperDraft pick (New York Red Bulls) |
| Contract Details | Lewis Morgan under contract with San Diego FC through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028 |
| San Diego FC’s 2025 Performance | 63 points, 19 wins, Western Conference Final in MLS Cup Playoffs |
| New York Red Bulls’ 2025 Performance | 10th in Eastern Conference with 43 points, end of 15-year playoff streak |
Now Happening on X
- @MaxGoldwasser (December 17, 2025, 7:11 AM) A chaotic Tuesday in San Diego County with law enforcement responding to three major incidents within hours: a SWAT standoff in downtown San Diego, a shooting near El Capitan High School, and an officer-involved shooting in Balboa Park. View on X
- @10News (December 17, 2025, 7:13 AM) Three major incidents are keeping San Diego law enforcement busy on Tuesday, involving multiple agencies across the county. View on X
- @HelenCasey1970 (December 17, 2025, 1:20 AM) Update on the SWAT situation in San Diego: As of 4:50 PM on December 16, 2025, police took the suspect into custody after a tense standoff; an SDPD K9 dog was injured during the apprehension and is receiving veterinary care. View on X
- @CBS8 (December 17, 2025, 1:30 AM) A suspect is in custody after a tense SWAT standoff in San Diego where he allegedly attacked a neighbor before barricading himself. View on X
- @CBS8 (December 17, 2025, 3:00 AM) A person was injured in a police shooting near Sixth Avenue and Olive Street in San Diego; this is a developing story with updates expected. View on X
- @10News (December 16, 2025, 9:22 PM) San Diego police have deployed a SWAT team to a downtown apartment complex for an ongoing incident. View on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 15, 2025, 4:47 AM) San Diego news update: Two SDPD officers are recovering after being hit by a car in Pacific Beach, with additional reports on border security measures and a scam affecting a Marine veteran. View on X
- @nbcsandiego (December 11, 2025, 12:29 AM) A teen girl was stabbed in class by a fellow student at San Ysidro High School in San Diego, alongside city council approval for extending a license plate reader program and other local incidents. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
