Matte Smets is quickly emerging as one of the most promising young defenders in European football, following a series of standout performances in Belgium’s top division. His remarkable form has attracted significant attention from several heavyweight clubs in the Premier League, with elite names such as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa carefully monitoring the 20-year-old's progress, as reported by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football.
Beginning his football journey at KRC Genk's youth academy, Smets made the strategic decision to seek new challenges with Sint-Truiden in 2018. This formative period proved advantageous as he honed his skills, and he ultimately returned to Genk last summer for a fee estimated at around £2 million. Since rejoining, Smets has quickly established himself as a crucial component of the first team, having featured in 14 of the 16 league matches this season. His contributions have been pivotal in helping Genk maintain a commanding presence at the summit of the Jupiler Pro League.
On the international front, Smets's recognition has been further bolstered by his inclusion in the senior Belgian national team, raising his profile among clubs, particularly in England. Chelsea and Tottenham have recently prioritised the acquisition of young talent, with Tottenham's approach reflecting a new direction under head coach Ange Postecoglou. Chelsea, post-ownership change, has similarly adopted a youth-centric recruitment strategy, aligning with the trend of investing in up-and-coming players.
Analysts have begun to draw comparisons between Smets and Paris Saint-Germain’s captain, Marquinhos, citing his composure, tactical awareness, tackling prowess, positioning, and passing ability as key attributes. Given these qualities, expectations are high that Smets could potentially emulate the Brazilian international's success.
Recent matches have seen scouts from Chelsea and Tottenham track Smets’s performances closely, but they are certainly not alone in their interest. Newcastle United is actively seeking to strengthen its defensive capabilities, while Aston Villa is reportedly contemplating a shift away from Diego Carlos, seeking younger options to enhance their squad.
With Smets’s impressive development over the past year and his consistent performances in the league, a competitive bidding war could emerge if he becomes available. His career trajectory suggests that a move to one of Europe’s top leagues could be imminent, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. This evolving situation is sure to capture the attention of football enthusiasts and analysts alike in the forthcoming transfer windows.