TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Loan
The Seattle Sounders announced the acquisition of Australian fullback Brad Smith on loan from English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday, a timely reinforcement as they attempt to complete their latest late-summer surge up the Western Conference standings.
“We are excited to add another quality player during this summer transfer window in Brad Smith,” said Sounders GM and president of soccer Garth Lagerwey in a club release. “At just 24 years old, Brad brings a wealth of experience from both the Premier League and his time with Australia at the international level. Combined with his background, Brad’s significant speed and versatility on the flanks make our team immediately better for the stretch run of the season. We believe he can help our club continue its climb up the table and into the MLS Cup Playoffs.”
Smith, 24, has made five Premier League appearances (11 across all competitions) for Bournemouth since his $6 million transfer from Liverpool, where he rose through the academy as a teenager before making five EPL appearances, in 2016.
A left-footed Australian international, Smith has been capped 19 times for the Socceroos and is expected to compete for the Sounders' starting left back slot with Nouhou Tolo, who has started 16 of the club's 21 games this season.
Seattle have won three straight games on the bounce and are unbeaten in their last six, and now sit five points outside the West's playoff places despite a poor start to their 2018 campaign.
MLS Fantasy Impact: You can add Smith ($5.5) to your team right now! Start playing!
