TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
A 2019 MLS Cup champion is heading back to Seattle. The Seattle Sounders announced on Thursday that they had signed Australian left-back Brad Smith with the 26-year-old set be available for training and matches upon receipt of his ITC and completion of any mandatory quarantine period under local government and MLS health and safety protocol.
Smith was a free agent after his contract expired with Bournemouth following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.
“We are very excited to bring in Brad, a proven winner who adds even more speed and athleticism to our squad,” said Sounders General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey in a team release. “With Brad being out of contract, this was a uniquely good deal for us, allowing the club to add a high impact player during this unorthodox season.”
The former Liverpool youngster enjoyed huge success in Seattle after joining on loan from Bournemouth in the summer of 2018. He was a key figure in the lineup last year, making 25 appearances, producing six assists and starting each one of the club's four Audi MLS Cup Playoff games, including the MLS Cup final where Seattle defeated Toronto FC.
“Brad was a very good player for Sounders FC and helped us win a championship at home in 2019,” said Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer. “He is a good guy to have in the locker room and already has established relationships with players on our team. I’m looking forward to bringing him back into the squad.”
After leaving Seattle at the end of his deal this past winter, Smith joined Championship side Cardiff City on loan, but made just three appearances, all as a substitute.
His signing will provide a further boost to a Sounders team that is riding high, sitting in second place in the Western Conference, two points behind Sporting Kansas City with a game in hand, and fresh from a 7-1 win over the Sam Jose Earthquakes last week. Smith is likely to compete with Nouhou and the versatile Joevin Jones for the left-back spot.
