According to Fanatik, as cited by Sport Witness, Aston Villa are set to lock horns with Galatasaray in the pursuit of Mbwana Samatta this summer. The KRC Genk forward has been linked with a move away from the club following an impressive campaign last season. The report claims that Samatta is likely to leave, with Genk demanding a fee of €10 million.
Samatta’s success for club and country
Samatta has been a part of the KRC Genk since January 2016. He arrived in Belgium in an €800k move from Congolese club TP Mazembe. The forward spent five seasons in Mazembe, scoring 19 goals in just 40 matches across all competitions.
He quickly became a first-team regular for Genk as well, notably plundering 11 league goals in his first full season in the top flight. And during his three and a half year spell at the club, Samatta has made over 160 competitive appearances for the Belgian giants, during which, he has scored 66 goals.
The 26-year-old is also considered as one of Tanzania’s best footballers in history. He has already won 45 caps for the African nation, scoring 17 goals. Samatta took part in the African Cup of Nations this summer but could only find the back of the net once as Tanzania were knocked out in group stages.
What can he bring to the table?
Samatta is a hard-working striker, who, unlike a regular number nine, doesn’t like to play on the shoulders of the last defender. Instead, he tends to drop deep and pick up balls from midfield. He can also turn his back and lay the ball off, thus opening quick opportunities for his teammates to run into spaces.
The Genk star is quite good with the ball at his feet as well, allowing him to not only keep hold of the ball inside the penalty area but also to create chances. This is coupled with his combative qualities and an excellent fighting spirit that makes him a competent centre forward.
Should Aston Villa make a move for Samatta?
Samatta will become the second player to join from the Belgian League after Wesley if Aston Villa do secure the services of the Tanzanian international this summer. That being said, making a move for the 26-year-old seems a massive risk given his lack of experience in the Premier League.
And the fact that this summer’s star recruit, Wesley, is also new to English football, it would perhaps be wiser for Aston Villa to shift their attention towards an experienced Premier League forward as their desired alternative for the former Club Brugge attacker.
