With Matte Smets, KRC Genk has secured a third summer transfer. The 20-year-old central defender signs a four-season contract at Cegeka Arena. From 2010 to 2018, Smets already wore the KRC Genk jersey as a player at the Jos Vaessen Talent Academy. Afterwards, he headed to Sint-Truiden where he broke through into the first team in the 2022-23 season and did not miss a minute last season under the wings of Thorsten Fink - as the only player in the Jupiler Pro League and in the Croky Cup.
Intelligence
Remarkable: in those 3,810 minutes on the pitch, Smets picked up only one yellow card. "A testament to his football intelligence," knows Head of Football Dimitri de Condé. "We are happy that we were able to convince him to return to where it all started for him. With his flair, game insight and good long ball, he is a nice addition to our defence," de Condé points out the choice of Smets.
Smets garnered praise from friend and foe alike last season. At the Pro League gala for the professional footballer of the season, he was voted runner-up in the election of the promise of the season by his fellow footballers, albeit with the same number of points, just after Bilal El Khannouss.
The Bilzen native enjoyed interest from abroad. The Cegeka Arena will eventually be his next destination.
"From the first contact I had a good feeling with KRC Genk that showed they definitely wanted me. That and the coach's confidence made me choose Genk where I will take the next step forward in my career. I am immensely looking forward to competing for prizes here. I want to thank STVV and its supporters for the great past years," echoes the new arrival.
