Bournemouth sign ex Liverpool defender, Brad Smith
Bournemouth have completed the signing of Liverpool defender Brad Smith on a four-year deal.
Sky sources understand Smith will join for an initial fee of around £3m fee that could rise to £6m, including add-ons and bonuses.
Smith made four Premier League appearances for Liverpool last season and already has nine international caps for Australia.
BREAKING: #afcb complete the signing of @Socceroos full-back @bradsmith_94 from @LFC: https://t.co/yGQACYLEWR pic.twitter.com/6LXrZx1AGj
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) July 27, 2016
He will become the second player to leave Liverpool for Bournemouth this summer following Jordon Ibe’s club-record £15m switch to the Vitality Stadium.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity here,” Smith told Cherries Player HD. “It all happened quite quickly. I knew there was a bit of interest and then they put the bid in, Liverpool accepted and we went from there really.
“Bournemouth did really well last season and I think the club can be a great team in the Premier League for many years to come. They’re just getting started really.
“I think it’ll be a good fit for me and I can’t wait to get going here.”
Ibe scored his first goal since completing his move from Liverpool in a 3-3 friendly draw with Portsmouth on Saturday and Smith is looking forward to playing with his former team-mate again.
SMITH: #afcb is a good fit for me – I am keen to learn and progress here: https://t.co/QrU6QeqBB6 pic.twitter.com/JOOVUi3nW3
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) July 27, 2016
“I know Jordon well,” Smith added. “We played together in under-18s, under-21s and then obliviously were promoted to the first team. We’ve played many years together and it’ll be good to play together again.
“I also know Federici quite well as we’ve played a few times together for Australia. I know Nathan Ake too from a Scholar of the Year tournament a few years ago – it’ll be good to catch up with all the lads.”
