AFC Wimbledon’s summer recruitment suffered a setback after Notts County beat them to the €150,000 (£125,000) signing of VPS striker Luka Smyth. The Magpies sealed the deal on a three-year contract with an option to extend, leaving the Dons empty-handed in a tight transfer race. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 19th in League One, 53 pts, 15W-8D-23L from 46 games, recent form LWLLL.
What happened with Luka Smyth?
Smyth, a 22-year-old Australian forward, will leave Finnish side VPS after impressing in the Veikkausliiga this season. He scored seven goals in 14 top-flight games and caught the eye with 16 strikes in eight for VPS’s second string. County beat off interest from Dutch clubs and AFC Wimbledon to land the towering striker, who stands 193cm tall.
The Magpies have just secured promotion via the League Two play-offs and now prepare to face AFC Wimbledon in League One. Their summer signings so far have relied on free transfers and domestic deals, but Smyth marks a shift toward European markets.
Who is Luka Smyth and what will he bring?
Smyth’s physical profile suits League One’s robust style. His height gives County an aerial threat from crosses and helps him hold up play, while his seven-goal return in Finland suggests he can finish too. The step up to English football is steep, but Smyth’s age and record hint at upside.
Notts County’s recruitment has leaned on free transfers and UK-based deals so far. Signing Smyth shows they’re still casting the net wider, even as most arrivals hail from England and Scotland.
Why it matters for AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon missed out on Smyth, but their own summer rebuild continues. The Dons finished 19th last season with a -21 goal difference (51 scored, 72 conceded) and a recent run of just one win in five (LWLLL). Their last result was a 0-4 loss at Huddersfield on 2 May 2026.
With County now bolstered up front, AFC Wimbledon must react if they’re to improve on last term’s struggles. The race to sign emerging talent is tight, and missing Smyth could sting if he fires County clear of the drop zone.
What comes next?
Notts County kick off their League One campaign with Smyth in attack, while AFC Wimbledon plot their next moves. County’s gamble on the Australian could pay off if he adapts quickly, but the proof will be in the results when the new season kicks off. The Magpies sit 50 points behind Lincoln in the title race, so every point counts from day one.
