Sheffield United have completed the signing of Auston Trusty from Arsenal on a four-year deal.
The 24-year-old arrives at Bramall Lane for a "significant undisclosed fee", putting pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at the club until 2027.
Trusty spent last season on loan at Birmingham City, where he made 48 appearances across all competitions, including four goals from 44 Championship outings, and won the club's Player of the Year award.
Two of those appearances came against Sheffield United during their promotion campaign, and the Blades have now moved to sign the two-time USA international on a permanent basis ahead of their first season back in the top flight.
"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," Trusty told the club's official website.
Welcome to the Blades, Auston Trusty! ✍️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JCL8JWxILo
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) August 3, 2023
"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.
"It is crazy how quick things happen in football. I have just come back from a US tour with Arsenal and a couple of days later I am sitting here doing this interview. Things did happen very quick, but that's how football works.
"I was really looking for an opportunity so as soon as it came about, things and details were ironed out. I am here, I wasn't wasting any time.
"Everything is coming to fruition for me. I am in the right place at the right time and in the right mindset. Everything has come together how I dreamed it."
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom added: "I'm delighted we've managed to get this one over the line, it is one of the positions we've been looking to fill and it is with one our own, a permanent transfer rather than a loan.
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"He is at a good age to progress, he has experience having played at international level and in the Championship last year, where we monitored him and he picked up Birmingham's player of the year award.
"As a coaching team we feel that he has the athleticism and desire to succeed in the Premier League."
Trusty initially joined Arsenal in January 2022 but spent the first half of that year on loan at Colorado Rapids, before joining Birmingham for 2022-23.
The defender therefore leaves the Emirates Stadium having never made a first-team appearance for the Gunners, although his form last season was enough for him to break into the USA setup.
Trusty becomes Sheffield United's fourth signing since winning promotion, following Anis Slimane, Yasser Larouci and Benie Traore through the door, and he could make his competitive debut for the club when they host Crystal Palace in their Premier League curtain-raiser next Saturday.
Barney Corkhill
