Korey Smith has signed for Bristol City’s Championship rivals Swansea City, with the Robins legend penning a two-year deal in south Wales this afternoon.
Smith ended six years at Ashton Gate this month as it was confirmed the club were unable and unwilling to offer him a new contract after he agreed a short-term extension in May to complete the 2019/20 season.
The 29-year-old will become the Swans first summer signing and fills a position of need for Steve Cooper with the head coach wanting an experienced presence in the middle of the park.
The move to the Liberty Stadium should enable Smith to remain in Bristol, having moved to the city in 2014 when he was signed from Oldham and his family firmly based in the West Country.
Swansea have won the race for his signature with Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield also having declared an interest.
Smith’s departure from Ashton Gate was met with sadness from City fans following his immense contribution to the Robins, in particular the 2014/15 double winning-team and his goal against Manchester United in the 2017/18 League Cup quarter-finals.
The midfielder’s final two seasons in City shirt were marred by injury, having suffered an ACL in the summer of 2018 which kept him out for seven months and then a serious foot injury which sidelined him for a further six months.
After returning to Lee Johnson’s side in November 2019, he made 19 starts in the Championship last season, including eight of nine matches after the restart when he captained the Robins.
Coincidentally, his 196th and final appearance for City was against Swansea in the 1-0 defeat at the Liberty Stadium. Smith will bring considerable Championship experience and leadership to a youthful Swans squad.
