Huddersfield Town’s busy summer transfer window continued with the signing of former Sunderland and Stoke City star Lynden Gooch, who became the club’s ninth addition ahead of the 2025/26 League One season. The 29-year-old United States international, who penned a three-year deal with the Terriers on 15th July, and shared his excitement and determination to help the club return to the Championship.
A New Chapter for a Versatile Veteran
His first comments since joining reflect a player hungry to compete and contribute to a squad with promotion aspirations. Gooch, a California-born defender capable of playing as a right-back, wing-back, or winger, brings a wealth of experience to Huddersfield Town. With 246 appearances for Sunderland, 53 for Stoke City, and four caps for the USMNT, his CV boasts 317 senior career appearances, including a League One promotion with Sunderland in 2022. After leaving Stoke City as a free agent at the end of the 2024/25 season, Gooch attracted interest from Championship clubs but chose Huddersfield, drawn by the vision of new manager Lee Grant.
In his first interview with the club, Gooch expressed his enthusiasm for the move: “Firstly, I’m really happy to have this move complete, and I can’t wait to get involved with pre-season as soon as possible. I had time to assess my options this summer and really think about where I wanted the next step of my career to be, and after speaking to Lee Grant, I had no doubt that Huddersfield Town was the right club to join.”
Gooch’s decision to join the Terriers was influenced by the club’s ambition to bounce back from a disappointing 10th-place finish in League One last season. “I’m an ambitious person and hungry to compete, and that’s exactly what I see across the squad here, too,” he added. “I’ve been promoted from this league before and want to have that feeling again, and I know that’s what everyone at the club is going to be fighting for.”
A Perfect Fit for Grant’s Vision
Town manager Lee Grant, in his first managerial role after serving as an assistant at Ipswich Town, highlighted Gooch’s versatility and experience as key factors in his signing. “Lynden is another important addition to the squad, bringing us quality and strong competition at right-back,” Grant told the club’s website. “Despite offers to stay in the Championship, he has bought in to our vision and ambition, and I’m looking forward to seeing him contribute to our collective goals.”
Grant also praised Gooch’s attack-minded style, noting that it “complements how we want to compete.” The 29-year-old’s ability to play multiple roles, right-back, left-back, wing-back, winger, and even as a No. 10, offers tactical flexibility for a manager still defining his preferred system. Gooch’s arrival in Austria for the team’s pre-season training camp ensures he can integrate quickly with his new teammates, including fellow summer signings like Ryan Ledson, Marcus Harness, and Jack Whatmough.
