CONFIRMED: Brad Smith Joins AFC Bournemouth, Ryan Kent Loaned to Barnsley FC

In a move that came as a bit of a shock, Liverpool defender Brad Smith has followed fellow youngster Jordon Ibe to the South Coast yesterday by sealing a £3mil move to AFC Bournemouth. Although we’re a bit short in the fullback department, the talented Australian was allowed to leave the club with opportunities in the first team for the coming campaign sure to be limited.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity here,” said the 22-year after finalizing a four year deal. “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,” he continued. “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.”

Smith, of course, isn’t the first and won’t be the last youngster to move on this summer with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp confirming that there’ll be some changes at Anfield — and one of those will be young winger Ryan Kent spending the season on loan with Championship side Barnsley FC.

“He is fearless, loves to take on his man and get balls into the box,” Tykes manager Paul Heckingbottom told the club’s official website after they drafted in the talented 19-year old. “Not only that, he can finish,” he added. “He’s one of the most highly rated youngsters in the country and now he has a great opportunity to step up and show us what he can do in the Championship.”