Bournemouth seal £3m signing of Liverpool’s Smith

Matt Stead

Bournemouth have confirmed the £3m signing of Liverpool left-back Brad Smith.

Smith completed his move to the Premier League Cherries on Wednesday, with Eddie Howe’s side having pursued the left-back throughout the summer.

The 22-year-old flew home from Liverpool’s tour of the United States earlier this week, and has now completed a deal to move to Bournemouth.

Smith made his first-team breakthrough at Anfield last season under Jurgen Klopp, making 11 appearances for the club he joined as a 14-year-old.

The Australia international even signed a new contract at the club last year, but Bournemouth’s interest and subsequent £6m offer has tempted the Reds into selling.

“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.

“I flew to America and was there for about five days. Once I found out that the bid had been accepted, I stopped training with the team to make sure everything went the right way.

“It’s a great stadium here and it’s a great opportunity for me to come and play in front of the fans. Hopefully I’ll do well, learn a lot and progress in my career.

“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.”

“I know Jordon [Ibe] well,” continued Smith. “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.”

Smith becomes Bournemouth’s sixth signing of the summer.