D.C. United have acquired Seattle Sounders FC defender Brad Smith in exchange for $750,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money. Seattle retain a 10% sell-on fee if Smith is transferred to any club outside of Major League Soccer (MLS).
“Brad brings a wealth of top-flight experience to our club. From his time at the highest level in England with Liverpool FC and Bournemouth AFC in the Premier League, to his experience on the international stage for Australia, we will be getting a player who knows what it takes to compete at the top,” Dave Kasper, President of Soccer Operations, said. “He’s been an elite attacking fullback in our league since he joined the Sounders in 2018, and his track record and winning pedigree will make an immediate impact on our squad.”
Smith originally joined the Seattle Sounders FC on loan from AFC Bournemouth in the English Premier League on Aug. 8, 2018 then was permanently transferred to Seattle from Bournemouth on Sept. 17, 2020. The defender made his MLS debut on Aug. 12, 2018 when he started at left back in the 2-1 win against FC Dallas. Since making the transition to MLS, the 27-year-old has scored three goals and recorded 11 assists in 72 MLS appearances (54 starts). He scored his first career MLS goal in the 1-1 draw with LAFC on April 24, 2021. Last season, the Australian scored three goals and recorded four assists in 27 appearances (20 starts) on the way to qualifying for his fourth MLS postseason. Smith also appeared in all four postseason matches when Seattle lifted the MLS Cup in 2019.
“Brad’s physical attributes and work rate paired with the attacking mindset he carries make him an ideal player for our style and philosophy. As well as being an excellent defender, he’s a consistent contributor in the final third,” Lucy Rushton, General Manager of D.C. United, said. “We believe with Brad’s introduction that we have the strongest complement of attacking fullbacks in the league. The quality of service that both he and Julian Gressel – who led all defenders last season in assists from his right wingback role – possess are a center forward’s dream, and will prove a constant goal threat for us going forward.”
Prior to joining the Seattle Sounders, Smith spent the previous two seasons with former English Premier League side, AFC Bournemouth, after being signed from Liverpool FC on July 27, 2016. The defender made his debut for Bournemouth on Aug. 24, 2016 in their 2-1 win over Morecambe FC in the 2016-2017 EFL Cup. Smith made a total of 11 appearances (nine starts) including five in the Premier League at Bournemouth.
Smith has also been a consistent figure in the Australian National Team since making his debut against Belgium in an International Friendly on Sept. 4, 2014. The 27-year-old has recorded one assist in 23 total appearances for the “Socceroos”, with his most recent appearance coming in the 1-0 win against Vietnam on Sept. 7, 2021 in World Cup Qualifiers.
Smith started his professional career at 19-years-old when he signed with Liverpool FC on Jan. 1, 2016 after rising through their academy ranks. He first appeared for Liverpool while still in the academy when he came on as a 60th-minute substitute against Chelsea in the 2-1 Premier League loss on Dec. 29, 2013. Smith scored one goal and recorded two assists in 11 appearances (eight starts) for Liverpool. His lone goal for the club was in the 2-2 draw with Exeter City in the Third Round of the FA Cup on Jan. 8, 2016.
Player: Brad Smith
Position: Defender
Birthplace: Penrith, Australia
Country: Australia
Birthdate: 04/09/1994
Age: 27
Height: 5’10’’
Weight: 154 lbs
Previous Club: Seattle Sounder FC
Status: International
Transaction: D.C. United have acquired Seattle Sounders FC defender Brad Smith in exchange for $750,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money. Seattle retain a 10% sell-on fee if Smith is transferred to any clubs outside of MLS.
