Inter Miami’s Lewis Morgan comments on being traded, club signs Jean Mota, Victor Ulloa
Inter Miami winger Lewis Morgan was not entirely surprised when he found out he was being traded to the New York Red Bulls.
Although he was Miami’s Most Valuable Player a year ago and is a fan favorite, the club’s financial situation is forcing tough decisions this off-season. Inter Miami needs roster money to compensate for steep fines of more than $2.2 million in MLS allocation funds over the next seasons -- punishment for the Blaise Matuidi contract, which violated league roster rules.
The Red Bulls paid $1.2 million in General Allocation Money to Inter Miami for the rights to Morgan. Inter Miami will receive $700,000 for 2022 and $500,000 for 2023, and will retain a percentage of a future transfers. The trade was announced on Sunday, as was the signing of 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder Jean Mota from Santos, who has played 164 matches in Brazil’s Serie A and was once a teammate of Inter Miami captain Gregore.
The club also announced it re-signed midfielder Victor Ulloa, a leader on and off the field, to a two-year contract.
“Someone had to go,” Morgan said by phone Sunday morning from Scotland, where he is spending the holidays with his family. “The sanctions that are on the club meant it was going to be extremely tough for Miami to be competitive next year, so obviously, at the time you want to help the team on the pitch, but it’s going to be better for the club if I leave. They got a real good offer from Red Bull and that shows how much that club wants me. That’s important for a player to know you’re going somewhere you’re wanted.
“I’m also going to a place that I feel is a real exciting project. It came to work out for everyone.”
Morgan, 25, said he left on good terms with Inter Miami management and is eager to be part of New York’s high-pressing attack, which has given Miami fits the past two seasons.
“When I heard there was a possibility I was being traded and then I heard it was New York, it was exciting,” Morgan said. “Obviously we at Miami have always had a tough time against Red Bulls. That high-pressing style and energy is really going to suit my game. Everyone knows the one non-negotiable with me is my work rate.
“They have a young, exciting squad. I think they will get the best out of me. I think the system’s going to fit me, playing higher up the pitch again, which I think everyone would agree is where I played my best football so I’m looking forward to that.”
Morgan recorded seven goals and 12 assists in 57 games and was the only player to start all Miami’s matches over the two seasons. A natural winger, this season he was asked to move to wingback to solidify the defense, a sacrifice he made for the good of the team. But his preferred position in the front line.
“We’d like to thank Lewis for his tireless efforts since joining the Club in 2020. 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,” said Inter Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson.
“I want to thank the Miami fans for all their support, I had a great connection with them,” Morgan said. “They were such an important part of my journey there in Miami. Hopefully I’ll get a good reception when I come back down. I’ll be a fan of the club forever, just not when they’re playing Red Bulls. Hopefully Miami is the second-best club in MLS next season.”
Mota signed through 2024, with an option for 2025. His transfer fee was reported to be $500,000.
“We’re thrilled to add a player of Jean’s experience and ambition,” said Henderson. “We’ve followed him from some time as he’s a well-rounded, versatile and very smart player. He checked every box through our diligent recruitment process.”
Henderson said of Ulloa: He’s a player that adds experience, loeadership and talent while representing the club’s DNA and values perfectly on and off the pitch.”
Mota said: “It’s a pleasure to be part of Inter Miami, a great club with a fantastic fan base and facilities. I’m proud to wear this jersey and look forward to leaving everything on the field to defend it.”
This story was originally published December 12, 2021 at 11:02 AM.