Caltex Socceroos left back Brad Smith has been confirmed as a new Seattle Sounder, joining the Major League Soccer club on a season long loan from AFC Bournemouth.
The 24-year-old struggled for regular game time in the Premier League after breaking into Liverpool’s first team set up as a 19-year-old — debuting against giants Chelsea under Brendan Rodgers’ reign.
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The rapid attacking fullback made just 10 appearances across two seasons with Bournemouth, after joining on a then-joint record transfer for an Australian, and saw his move to Seattle come about thanks to an Aussie connection with assistant coach John Hutchinson.
“I am delighted to be here,” Smith said. “The move happened quite quickly but once I heard a massive club like Seattle were interested I couldn’t wait to come out here.
“I spoke to John Hutchison about the place, and I Facetimed the head coach (Brian Schmetzer) and agreed to come over.”
Already set to make his debut for the club this weekend — against FC Dallas, Smith has impressed thanks to his pace and directness.
Smith, capped 19 times for the Caltex Socceroos, played a key role in the team qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey is excited by his potential.
“We wanted to add some speed and power to our team and Brad has got that,” Lagerwey said.
“Brad is a guy that can play left-wing or left-back and comfortable in both positions and that is something we didn’t have.
“We felt he was a player that played well when he got a chance at Bournemouth and I think his personality is something that is really going to add to the group.”