Scouts from Manchester City attended Genk's Europa League play-off match at the Cegeka Arena. According to Belgian sources, 22-year-old Belgian defender Matte Smets was among the Genk players being observed, alongside his teammates Zakaria El Ouahdi and Yaimar Medina. Representatives from Manchester City were present, along with representatives from other European clubs including PSG, United, and Borussia Dortmund. Smets has made 26 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League this season, has six caps for Belgium U21, and is under contract with Genk until June 2028. It was reported that in February 2026, VfL Wolfsburg had bids of €16 million and an increased €19 million for the player rejected. His current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €11.00m.