Report: Red Bulls lining up Torino goalkeeper Luca Lewis

The New York Red Bulls might be adding another goalkeeper.

According to a report from Toro News, the club is in negotiations with Luca Lewis. The 19-year-old American “has communicated his willingness to stay in America in the future” with the sale currently being negotiated.

Lewis moved to Italy in July of 2017 after spending two years at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He made 14 appearances last season with Torino’s Primavera A squad. The New York native put in impressive performances, overseeing seven shutouts along with helping the Torino U-18s capture the prestigious Campionato Berretti youth competition in 2019.

Lewis was interviewed by Fox News in April, expressing his frustration with the coronavirus situation in Italy. He received several U.S. youth national team call-ups, but was unable to attend due to club commitments and the pandemic. Lewis reportedly returned to New York after Torino suspended training activity, just ahead of the onset of strict travel lockdowns.

The Red Bulls currently have three goalkeepers on the first team roster. Veteran Yonkers native Ryan Meara appears to have gained the starting role with recently-signed Danish keeper David Jensen in competition, while journeyman American Kendall McIntosh serves as the third string.

While it doesn’t appear that the club is looking for more competition at the top, depth is always welcome and Lewis would seem primed to log minutes in USL with Red Bulls II. A scouting report on Lewis from Everybody Soccer describes him as talented but having a “knack for dramatics” and over-complicating the collection of the ball.

Anyway, here’s what appears to be footage of Lewis throwing a ball into the window of a moving car: