Notts County have reportedly beaten AFC Wimbledon, among other clubs to the signature of striker Luka Smyth.
The Magpies are looking for new forward options upon their long-awaited return to League One and are in need of a replacement for Matthew Dennis, who left to join Burton Albion.
Forward Makes Switch
Now, according to Australia-based football journalist James Dodd, Smyth has been signed by Notts County for a fee which could rise to €150,000 (£128,000).
It is believed that the 22-year-old, who has been playing in Finland with VPS since the summer of 2024, finally emerged as a first-team option this campaign, with 12 goals in 22 matches helping the Vaasa-based club to compete in the title race.
Smyth is now set to head to Meadow Lane for at least the next three seasons, with a potential extension clause of a further year.
VPS taisteli vieraissa upean 1-2-voiton illan toisessa yöttömän yön ottelussa 🔥🙌
Voittomaalista vastasi 88’ peliminuutilla Luka Smyth 🤝#tältätuntuu #veikkausliiga pic.twitter.com/nvAJ8dMMpG
— Veikkausliiga (@Veikkausliiga) June 17, 2026
Several sides were believed to be pursuing Smyth, with clubs from the Netherlands and one of County’s League One rivals in AFC Wimbledon being beaten by Martin Paterson’s side to his signature.
The news comes as the Magpies face the prospect of losing star forward Alassana Jatta, with previous reports suggesting that Danish side AC Horsens had tabled a £425,000 offer for the Gambian international.
Worthy Risk To Make?
With Notts County hopeful they can keep themselves in League One next season, they are in need of as many reinforcements as possible to try and give them the best chance possible.
Matthew Dennis’ exit to Burton Albion has meant that a new striker has been a priority regardless of any developments around Alassana Jatta’s future and therefore a move for a promising striker like Luka Smyth is a good addition.
While untested, the recruitment group at Notts County have managed to find many gems which have propelled the club forward, and this could follow that pattern, but whether he can handle League One remains to be seen.
A more experienced, proven option may have been a more ideal signing to make for their short-term fortunes, but investing in a long-term contract for Smyth could pay dividends.
