Arsenal SELL USMNT star to Premier League rival
Tom Weber
- 1 Aug 2023 20:46 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal defender Auston Trusty is on his way to promoted outfit Sheffield United.
The American made the switch to the Gunners in January 2022 after impressing in Major League Soccer with the Colorado Rapids. Arsenal paid just €1.8 million for the talented defender and likely never expected him to become a serious part of the first-team squad.
Indeed, Trusty was likely signed with the intention to eventually get moved on for a profit in order to help free-spending Arsenal balance the books with both the Rapids and the Gunners owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE). Trusty initially remained with his Denver-based club until July 2022.
READ: Star BEGS Arsenal to change asking price after transfer blow
Upon arrival in London, he was immediately loaned to Birmingham City in the Championship. The 24-year-old impressed in England's second tier, making a whopping 48 appearances for City and scoring four goals as well as providing two assists. In light of his eye-catching outings, Arsenal's plan to flip him for a profit has now borne fruit.
USA, USA, USA! 🇺🇸
Some Trusty content for you, @USMNT. 😏 pic.twitter.com/del7MPfgdw— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) September 3, 2022
Trusty in the Premier League
Despite not having made a single competitive appearance for the Gunners, Trusty will now get his chance in the Premier League. Sheffield United have wrapped up a permanent £5m (€5.8m) deal for the defender.
The promoted outfit are back in the top flight after finishing runners-up to Vincent Kompany's Burnley last season. The Blades were also open to a loan with an option to buy for Trusty, but negotiations with Arsenal ultimately proved more straightforward than perhaps expected.
READ: Arsenal 'reach agreement' with Ramsdale replacement
According to journalist Ryan Taylor, the deal is "viewed as superb business as [the] USMNT defender was identified following consultation with Colorado Rapids (owned by KSE) and was valued at $1.5m in 2021."
Trusty has won two senior caps for the US men's national team to date and could be the first of many exits of Arsenal's American contingent with Folarin Balogun and backup goalkeeper Matt Turner also heavily linked with moves away.
