The pursuit of Smit fits into Chelsea’s broader recruitment philosophy under their multi-club ownership structure. The club continues to prioritise high-upside talent, often moving earlier and more decisively than rivals. Chelsea’s ownership group recently beat Manchester United and Manchester City to the signature of Mohamed Zongo, one of Africa’s brightest emerging prospects. The Burkina Faso midfielder, who starred at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, will officially join Strasbourg in 2027 upon turning 18. Zongo was among the tournament’s standout performers, contributing two goals and three assists as Burkina Faso reached the quarter-finals. His performances against Germany and the Czech Republic, as well as a dominant display despite elimination against Italy, marked him out as a player of rare maturity.
Upcoming youth signings include Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda and striker Emanuel Emegha. Further down the line, FC Kairat wide man Dastan Satpayev and Corinthians full-back Denner Evangelista are expected to join once they reach eligibility, while Ecuadorian defender Deinner Ordonez is scheduled for a 2028 switch.
For Smit, Chelsea’s appeal extends beyond finances. The club’s recent track record of integrating young midfielders, coupled with clear development pathways, offers a compelling case. However, since competition for places is fierce under Enzo Maresca, it remains to be seen if Smit takes the risk of being a bench-warmer or decides to pursue a different challenge elsewhere, where he can earn sufficient minutes to continue his development.