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UPDATE: The Seattle Sounders made the news official on Wednesday, August 8, announcing the acquisition of left back / winger Brad Smith on loan from AFC Bournemouth using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). Smith will occupy an international roster slot.
Smith, 24, has 19 caps for the Australian National Team, including 12 appearances for Australia in 2018 World Cup Qualifying. He spent the last two seasons with AFC Bournemouth, where he has made 11 appearances across all competitions, including five in Premier League play. Smith came up through the youth ranks at Liverpool. During the 2015-16 season, he made 10 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool and scored in a 2-2 FA Cup draw with Exeter City on January 8, 2016.
“We are excited to add another quality player during this summer transfer window in Brad Smith,” said Garth Lagerwey, Sounders general manager and president of soccer. “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.”
With the transfer window closing on Wednesday at 10 p.m., the Seattle Sounders are likely to make at least one signing announcement. During his weekly appearance on SportsRadio KJR-AM Seattle President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey indicated that the organization still has their target on a couple players, including Brad Smith. The former Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth left back/left mid was mentioned by name.
Earlier indications are that the player would be on a loan to Seattle. Lagerwey was asked directly about the rumor regarding Smith and said that an announcement related to the subject would be made on Wednesday.
“We will have an announcement tomorrow that might be exciting and pertinent to this topic,” he said.
Part of what intrigues the Sounders about Smith (or a player very much like Smith) is that with TAM funds the team can attract relatively young talents currently in England.
“We’re not acquiring a left back; we’re acquiring a left-sided player,” he explained. The desire is for someone with flexibility in positions, but fills a speedy role and who can compete for time in the band of three.