New York Red Bulls sporting director Jeff Agoos believes Khano Smith's "pace and athleticism" will offer them a different attacking dimension this season.

Smith signed for Red Bulls from Seattle Sounders in exchange for allocation money earlier this week, as exclusively revealed by The Royal Gazette. Per MLS and club regulations specific terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The 28-year-old was traded without playing a competitive match from Sounders who he joined from New England Revolution in the expansion draft in November.

"One of our priorities before the start of the season was to add depth and athleticism to the left side of our midfield and we feel that we have accomplished this goal by acquiring Khano," said Agoos.

"We think that Khano's pace, athleticism and experience will immediately help our club as we enter the new MLS season."

Red Bulls have been looking for solutions on the left wing since trading veteran wide man Dave Van Den Bergh to FC Dallas last month, and turned their attentions to Smith when it became apparent he was not in Sounders' coach Sigi Schmid's plans.

Smith played in the previous four seasons with the New England Revolution, scoring eight goals and adding 11 assists in 85 games for the club. He started 18 games last season and scored two goals.

He will miss Red Bulls' opening match of the MLS season against former club the Sounders on Thursday March 19 due to suspension.

But in a twist of irony Smith will be in line for a debut against another of his ex-teams, the Revolution, at home on Saturday March 28.

Earlier this week, Smith told The Gazette: "This is the ideal move for me and I'm delighted. Red Bulls are a great organisation.

"Boston was close to Bermuda but New York is even closer."

He added: "There are certainly no hard feelings and Sounders are definitely going to be a top class MLS organisation."