Matthew Smith

Matthew Robert Smith (born 22 November 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Newport County and the Wales national team.

Club career Manchester City Having initially joined the academy of West Bromwich Albion at a young age, in 2013 Smith moved to the academy of Manchester City, where he progressed through several age groups.

In July 2018 at the age of 18, Smith joined Dutch Eerste Divisie club FC Twente on a season-long loan, eventually making 37 appearances and scoring 2 goals, playing a key role in the club's promotion to the Eredivisie. Over the next two seasons, he was again sent out on loan to EFL Championship clubs Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic, as well as EFL League One club Doncaster Rovers, making over 40 appearances for the latter.

Milton Keynes Dons On 31 January 2022, following limited opportunities with Hull, Smith was recalled from his loan and immediately transferred to League One club Milton Keynes Dons on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

St. Johnstone In August 2023 Smith joined Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone on a two-year contract. On 5 January 2025 he was substituted by St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari within 30 minutes of the start of the Scottish Premiership home defeat to Dundee, with Dundee leading 3–0. Dundee won the match 3–1 and Smith was not selected again for St Johnsone again in the 2024–25 season as St Johnstone were subsequently relegated from the Scottish Premiership under Valakari at the end of that season.

Smith was released by St Johnstone at the end of the 2024–25 season.

Newport County Smith signed a two-year deal with Newport County in June 2025. He made his debut for Newport in the EFL Cup preliminary round win against Barnet on 29 July 2025.

International career Smith qualifies for the Wales national team through his grandfather who is from Blackwood, Wales.

Smith has played for Wales at U17, U19, U21 and senior level, often captaining the side at youth level. He received a first call-up to the senior squad on 20 May 2018.

He made his senior debut for Wales in a friendly 0–0 tie with Mexico, replacing Tom Lawrence after 81 minutes. In May 2021 he was selected for the Wales squad for the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. In November 2022 he was named in the Wales squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours FC Twente Eerste Divisie: 2018–19