A 23-year-old Dutchman is coming to Böllenfalltor from Stoke City
SV Darmstadt 98 have signed their announced new striker. Milan Smit joins the Lilies on loan from English Championship side Stoke City. The 23-year-old Dutchman will remain in Darmstadt until the end of the current season and will wear the number 36 jersey.
"After intensive negotiations and discussions in recent weeks, the opportunity has now arisen to sign Milan on loan," explains Darmstadt sporting director Paul Fernie. Despite his height, Smit's profile differs from the striker types already present in Darmstadt's squad.
Fernie particularly highlights the striker's spatial awareness and timing during runs in behind. Smit's movement frequently puts him in promising positions. He also possesses good technique and finishing ability. During his time in England, the Dutchman adapted to the physical style of play in the Championship and further developed his physicality.
“We are confident that he will enrich our offense,” said Fernie.
Smit: "The club made a great effort to recruit me."
Smit himself is also looking forward to his new role at Böllenfalltor. "The club made a real effort to sign me and convinced me in our discussions with a clear vision and a very accurate assessment of my playing style," says the 23-year-old.
He knows the quality of the 2nd Bundesliga and wants to "do everything week after week to help the team with my performance".
Smit was trained in the youth academies of FC Emmen, SC Heerenveen and Twente Enschede. At the U18 level, he moved to SC Cambuur, where he later made the leap to professional football and the Dutch Eredivisie.
After Cambuur's relegation, the center forward scored 20 goals in 39 second-division matches. In August 2024, he transferred to Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie. For the Deventer club, Smit amassed 18 scorer points in 54 competitive matches over a year and a half.
Cup winner and Europa League experience
Smit won the Dutch Cup with Go Ahead Eagles in 2025. This success also secured the club qualification for the Europa League, where the striker gained international experience and scored three goals in six matches.
In January 2026, Smit initially joined Stoke City on loan. After the season ended, the English Championship club signed him permanently. So far, the Dutchman has made 14 appearances for Stoke, contributing three goals and assists.
Now Smit is expected to provide additional attacking options for SV Darmstadt 98 and go on the hunt for goals at the Böllenfalltor stadium.
Milan Smit at a glance
Country of birth: Netherlands
Age: 23
Position: Center forward
Current club: Stoke City
Joining SV 98: Loan until the end of the season
Jersey number: 36
Previous clubs: including SC Cambuur and Go Ahead Eagles
Achievements: Dutch Cup winner 2025
Europa League: three goals in six games
(DARMSTADT – RED/SV98)
Featured image: SV98
