Adelaide United have signed Dutch goalkeeper Joshua Smits on a two-year deal set to run to the end of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2026-27 season.
The 32-year-old, born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, joins the Reds’ goalkeepers union and will play a key mentoring role for promising youngsters Max Vartuli and Ethan Cox. Standing at 1.90m, Smits boasts a wealth of experience, lightning-quick reactions, and excellent ability with his feet.
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Smits joins the Reds after spending the 2024-25 season with Eerste Divisie (Dutch Second Division) side De Graafschap, where he made 25 appearances. Since making his professional debut in 2011, he has accumulated 201 matches and kept an impressive 49 clean sheets.
His career includes a pivotal role in helping NEC Nijmegen secure promotion to the Eredivisie in 2015, as well as stints with Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt and Dutch top-flight outfit Willem II.
In 2016, Smits served as understudy to former Socceroos goalkeeper Brad Jones at NEC Nijmegen, with current Adelaide United Technical Director Ernest Faber as head coach.
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Faber expressed his excitement about reuniting with Smits in Adelaide.
“Josh was an outstanding professional during our time together at NEC Nijmegen,” Faber said.
“He brings a calm presence, strong leadership, and an incredible work ethic to the team. His experience across Europe will be invaluable, both in guiding our younger goalkeepers and in contributing to our success on the pitch.
Smits said he is eager to get started in Adelaide.
“I am very excited for this next chapter in my career, and to have the chance to make a big impact and be a leader in the team. Adelaide United is a family club, and me and my family are very happy to join this community.
I look forward to working with Ernest again and also with Airton and his coaching team. See you soon, Reds fans!”
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