Bournemouth have completed the signing of the Liverpool defender Brad Smith on a four-year contract. The 22-year-old underwent a medical on Wednesday after leaving Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States and flying into Heathrow on Monday, after Bournemouth had a bid in the region of £4.5 million accepted over the weekend.
Smith, who can operate at full-back and on the wing, becomes the second player to swap Liverpool for the south coast inside two weeks following the club’s signing of Jordon Ibe on a four-year contract.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity here,” said Smith, speaking to the club’s website. “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.
“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.”
The Australia international made 10 appearances in all competitions for Jürgen Klopp’s side last season, scoring one goal, away at Exeter City in the FA Cup. Smith has been capped nine times by his country.
“We need a balanced squad, players that are fighting for every position, so I think it’s obvious there’s an area we need to improve,” said the Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe on Saturday. “We are working behind the scenes to bring new players to the football club. We don’t feel we are done yet. We have areas we need to strengthen so we will wait and see.”
Howe still only has one recognised central defender in the squad, following the sale of the captain Tommy Elphick to Aston Villa. Meanwhile, the Bournemouth winger Max Gradel committed his long-term future to the club on Tuesday, signing fresh terms on a new four-year deal.
