LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Monday the club had acquired defender Sam Gleadle via transfer from fellow USL Championship club Monterey Bay F.C. Terms of the transfer agreement were not disclosed, and the transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The 27-year-old has spent six seasons in the USL Championship and will arrive in Louisville after registering a team-high six assists to go with five goals last season at Monterey Bay.

“We are excited to welcome Sam and his family to Louisville," said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. "He’s a guy that is a danger from the sideline with the engine and pace that we want to get up and down the field no matter the system. He is a versatile player that we have seen play many different positions throughout his career.

“A big thing that stood out in looking through his footage since he has been in the league was his ability to get forward even when playing in deeper positions. We are excited to get to work and happy that we could get this deal done."

Born in England, Gleadle moved with his family to the United States at a young age. He went on to play collegiately at the University of New Mexico before stints professionally at Reno 1868 FC (2018-2020) and San Antonio FC (2021).

After signing with Monterey Bay for its inaugural season, Gleadle experienced a breakout 2022 campaign. He scored a career-high eight goals – including one at Lynn Family Stadium in a victory over LouCity – and added 3 assists, 23 chances created and 18 interceptions.

“My agent and I were reaching out to some teams I was interested in and, of course, I think every player should be interested in Louisville City,” Gleadle said. “I wanted to take a step in a good direction for my career. With how big this club is, I think I’m doing that. Hopefully I can show myself well and help bring a championship to Louisville.”

Analysis

After Louisville City FC’s transfer of Manny Perez to Danish club AC Horsens last week, Sam Gleadle arrives as a potential ready-made replacement at right wingback for the new season. The 27-year-old’s explosiveness on the right side in an attacking role was a highlight for Monterey Bay F.C. in the past two seasons, delivering 13 goals and nine assists in 54 appearances.

Gleadle’s defensive capability shouldn’t be underestimated, however. He arrived in the Championship as an outside back and has recorded 94 tackles won at a success rate of 68.1 percent in his career while also logging 139 interceptions and 506 recoveries in 124 career games in the league. If he finds the right balance, surpassing his single-season career high of six assists a season ago isn’t out of the question.