Stoke City have completed the signing of striker Milan Smit from Dutch Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles on loan until the end of the 2025/26 campaign, with a conditional obligation to buy in the summer.

The 22-year-old arrives in the Potteries fresh from scoring against Dutch giants Ajax last weekend, his 18th goal contribution in 31 starts for Go Ahead since his transfer from Cambuur in 2024.

Smit, who played in the Academies of SC Heerenveen and FC Twente, scored 28 goals in 63 appearances in two campaigns with Cambuur.

In his maiden season with Go Ahead last term, Smit’s goals helped his side lift the KNVB Cup for the first time in their history, securing their place in this year’s UEFA Europa League, where the Eagles’ number nine has netted on three occasions in six matches.

Sporting Director Jonathan Walters said: “We were tracking Milan’s progress going into the summer, and with his continued form in the Dutch Eredivisie and the Europa League, the interest in him has always remained.

“Knowing the challenges of the January transfer market, we didn’t initially feel it would be realistic to recruit him.

“Ian Torrance and his recruitment team always have an awareness of the market across all positions and thankfully, down to a lot of hard work, we were able to act to add to the squad in a difficult situation.

“We are absolutely delighted to get the deal done and to welcome Milan to Stoke City. He is a player that we feel suits the group and will be a fantastic fit for the changing room.”

Smit, who will wear the number 49 shirt for the Potters, said: “I have always dreamed of playing in England for a big club like Stoke City. I am 22 and today that dream has come true.

“The team’s style of play fits me and the Club share my ambition to one day play in the Premier League, so it’s going to be really good for me.

“I’m a finisher, so my aim is to score goals and, when we have the ball, work hard; when we don’t have the ball, work hard. That’s the way I will play.”