Former Celtic star completes latest transfer move as MLS club admire key 'quality' in his game
Winger has played his football across the pond for the past six years
Former Celtic and Sunderland winger Lewis Morgan has completed his MLS move to from San Diego FC to Toronto FC - who are a big fan of his versatile ‘quality’.
Since signing for Inter Miami from Celtic in 2020, the winger has stayed stateside with subsequent spells at New York Red Bulls and most recently San Diego. As he now stays in the same division but moves north of the Canadian border, Toronto are exchanging an international roster slot for the Scotsman. These are treated as a valuable commodity in the MLS as a total of 241 slots are available across the 30 teams. Toronto General Manager Jason Hernandez believes Morgan is worth the sacrifice, given his experience and versatility.
Morgan signed for Celtic from St Mirren in 2018 after coming through the youth ranks in Paisley. Despite joining the club with bags of potential, he was unable to kickstart his career in a Hoops jersey, making 18 appearances in his two years at the club and finding the net twice. He was farmed out back to St Mirren and latterly Sunderland while at Celtic, before his move across the Atlantic.
Toronto sign former Celtic star
The winger can play on either side and also in a more central role. Upon the announcement of the his signing, Toronto chief Hernandez said: “We are happy to add Lewis at this time. He has established himself as an impactful attacker in the Eastern Conference over the past several seasons. His flexibility to play across multiple positions in the attack will be a valuable quality for our group moving forward.”
The player transformed his career in the MLS after his failed Hoops spell. While playing for New York Red Bulls, Morgan’s form caught the eye of former Scotland boss Steve Clarke - who selected him in the National Team squad for Euro 2024 for his first appearance in six years.
Toronto announced the signing via the club website. Their statement read: “Toronto FC announced today that the club has acquired forward Lewis Morgan from San Diego FC in exchange for a 2026 International Roster Slot. He will be added to the club’s roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), work permit and medicals.”
Morgan on failed Celtic stint
Despite his Hoops move not going to plan, the winger holds no ill will towards Celtic. In an interview with Sky Sports in 2022, Morgan reflected on his Hoops career. He said: “At Celtic I was still getting to play a part in the squad but mostly I was playing as a 9 - up front myself. Probably wasn't showing myself in the best light. I didn't really get the rub of the green or the bounce of the ball when I went to Celtic, with injuries and what not.
"I just wanted to get away and somewhere where I was going to play more often. All credit to Celtic that we had such a strong squad that no-one is guaranteed that, but I did want to get somewhere where I knew I was going to play my own role more consistently. And I just thought for the benefit of my career that I left.
(The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly)