Genk’s Matte Smets doesn’t want to move to struggling Wolfsburg | OneFootball

As reported by HLN, Genk have rejected a bid of around €19m from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg for defender Matte Smets. While Wolfsburg had increased their bid by €3m, the Belgian side have no desire to accept any bid this late in the window. To make matters worse for Wolfsburg, the player himself is said to not be keen on joining the side that are currently struggling in the Bundesliga.

Smets emerged as a talented youngster during his time with Sint Truiden. After coming through the sides academy, he impressed under head coach Thorsten Fink during the 2023/2024 season and ended up leaving with the head coach to join Genk. While certainly not the finished article, Smets has been ever present for Genk since joining in 2024. Smets has made 78 appearances for Genk since making the move. Genk are struggling this season and it is understandable that they would prefer not to lose a key defender so late in the window. Wolfsburg’s own predicament certainly doesn’t make the move enticing for the defender either, especially as the 22-year-old will be hoping to find a way to join the Belgian national team for the 2026 World Cup.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson