Smit leaves Stoke on loan as Wilmot signs new deal

Stoke City striker Milan Smit has joined German second-tier side Darmstadt on a season-long loan.

The Dutch forward signed for the Potters from Go Ahead Eagles on an initial loan arrangement in January and took time to settle into English football.

He scored his first - and only - goals for Stoke in his eighth appearance with two in their 3-3 draw at home to Ipswich in March.

After that game, Smit spoke of his relief at getting off the mark and the challenges of playing in the Championship.

In total, he made 13 league appearances, starting six times.

Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters said the deal was a good way for Smit to get some consistent game time.

"We all know Milan's opportunities have been limited and, following conversations with him and his representatives, we agreed this move allows him to play regularly in a competitive division," Walters told the club website., external

Meanwhile, the club have also announced long-serving defender Ben Wilmot has agreed a new three-year contract.

The 26-year-old has been with Stoke since the start of the 2021-22 season and has clocked up nearly 200 appearances in that time.

Walters said Wilmot wants to be part of the club's continued development.

"It is clear from speaking to Ben and from seeing his drive and attitude that he is desperate to be successful at Stoke City," Walters told the club website., external

"Ben's one of the longer-serving players in the team and, as new players come in and the squad continues to develop, that continuity is important."

Wilmot's new deal runs until the summer of 2029 and has the option for an additional 12 months should the club choose to trigger it.