Matt Smith is due to depart Salford City and would be an ideal acquisition for the Valiants, who struggle to score goals.
Port Vale struggled at both ends of the pitch as they fell towards League One relegation, but with one of League Two’s leading goal scorers available on a free transfer, they could immediately improve their shot-shy statistics.
Former Leeds United, Fulham, QPR, and Millwall striker Matt Smith has stated his intention to quit League Two opponents Salford City at the conclusion of his contract and would be an ideal fit for the Valiants, who sorely need goals if they are to mount a promotion challenge next season.
Smith, who turns 35 in June, had a standout season with The Ammies, scoring 24 league goals in 46 games. Salford concluded the season in 20th place, just nine points clear of relegation.
His haul included hat-tricks away against Doncaster Rovers and Crewe Alexandra, and his goal-scoring heroics won him a place in the League Two Team of the Season, as well as the Players’ and Supporters’ Player of the Year awards.
Experience a must for Port Vale
Port Vale have released striker James Wilson, who was signed after being let go by Salford two seasons ago, leaving only Ryan Loft and 17-year-old Baylee Dipepa as recognised attackers at the club.
Most Vale fans regard a striker as a priority, but they will want someone with League Two or higher experience, and Smith meets that need. Smith, who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall, possesses power and aerial ability that the rest of the Vale squad lacks, as well as leadership skills and game experience.
He has played more than 440 games in the Championship, League One, and League Two, scoring 109 goals. Loft and Dipepa have a combined 25 league goals.
Uche Ikpeazu contract could prove decisive
According to Port Vale’s website, the club is still in talks with Uche Ikpeazu, whose contract ends at the end of June. However, Ikpeazu’s numbers pale in comparison to those of Smith.
The former Cardiff City player joined Vale in October 2023, but only scored once during his second spell at the club. The Vale crowd chanted “that’s why we’re going down” as he missed a routine header against Cambridge United at Vale Park.
Although his physicality and hold-up play could make him an asset in League Two, his scoring statistics are poor, and the Vale administration must exercise caution before awarding Ikpeazu a deal that jeopardizes their resources and the possibility to sign a proven striker.
If forced to choose between the two, Smith should take precedence.
Only Szmodics and Langstaff scored more than Smith
Smith’s goal-scoring exploits this season earned him a spot on League Two’s squad of the year. Only Sammie Szmodics (27 goals) and Macauley Langstaff (28 goals) surpassed Smith’s total of 24 in the EFL in 2023/24.
If Vale are serious about returning to League One right away, providing Darren Moore a 25-goal weapon like Smith would go a long way toward convincing fans that they have a solid plan in place.
