Sheffield United have signed defender, Auston Trusty from Arsenal for £5m.
Trusty’s move comes just 18 months after he joined Arsenal from Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Colorado Rapids in January 2022, although he remained with the MLS club on loan for six months during which he made 19 appearances.
The 24 year-old American then spent last season on loan at Birmingham City, where he scored four goals in 48 appearances as the Blues finished 17th in the Championship.
His consistency however caught the eye of Sheffield Utd who have swooped for the defender in a cut-price transfer, with Arsenal having accepted a £5m bid for Trusty who leaves having made no senior appearances for the Gunners.
Trusty has signed a four-year contract with the Blades until June 2027.
Speaking about his move to Bramall Lane, Trusty commented: “I am more than excited. The opportunity to be here at this historic club, and an opportunity to play in the Premier League and show my ability, it is everything I could have ever dreamed of growing up as a kid.
“In Pennsylvania, this was a dream – almost an impossible dream but I believed in myself and the opportunity has come around, it is everything that I dreamed for,” said Trusty.”
Trusty also described this move as “crazy” after having returned from a pre-season tour of USA with Arsenal just a few days ago.
Manager, Paul Heckingbottom is “delighted” to sign Trusty, having been eager to add extra quality in defence with a permanent transfer rather than a loan deal, which would of only put them back in the same position this time next summer in needing another defender.
Heckingbottom also praised Trusty for his “athleticism” which he believes will enable the defender to fulfil his “desire to succeed in the Premier League.”
Trusty could make his competitive debut for Sheffield Utd at home against Crystal Palace on Saturday 12 August in a 3pm BST kick-off.
The 24 year-old began his career at Bethlehem Steel before he went on to score twice in 62 appearances for Philadelphia Union, prior to his move to Rapids.
Trusty represents USA in international football and made his senior debut in a 7-1 win over Grenada in March, and has since made two appearances in total.