Houston Dynamo set to sign free agent left-back Brad Smith
By Chris Smith
The Houston Dynamo are set to sign free-agent left-back Brad Smith, according to reports.
A 23-time Australia international, Smith is without a club after D.C. United declined their option on his contract at the end of the 2022 season. The 28-year-old only arrived at Audi Field at the start of the campaign following three-and-a-half years with the Seattle Sounders, where he won the 2019 MLS Cup title.
Smith missed most of the 2022 campaign with D.C. due to a ligament injury, but according to MLSsoccer.com's Tom Bogert, he'll be given another chance in Major League Soccer, with the Dynamo looking to sign him for the new season.
Sources: Houston Dynamo finalizing the signing of free agent left back Brad Smith.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 2, 2023
Smith, 28, was with D.C. United last year before a season-ending injury. Has made 79 MLS apps with DC and the Seattle Sounders.
The Australian int’l was previously with Liverpool and Bournemouth. pic.twitter.com/7popJIln6B
Bogert has stated that the transfer is in the final stages, with the former Liverpool, Bournemouth, and Cardiff City defender set to provide depth at full-back alongside the likes of Adam Lundkvist and Griffin Dorsey.
Even with the arrival of Smith, it's likely the Dynamo will invest further at full-back given it is an area where they are already short on options.
The Dynamo are preparing for their first season under new head coach Ben Olsen, who will look to guide the club back into the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017 and just the second time in 10 years.