According to a recent print edition of Takvim (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Aston Villa forward Mbwana Samatta has gathered interest from Turkey ahead of the summer transfer period. The same source has also mentioned that Fenerbahce are interested in acquiring his services on loan if the Villans are relegated from the Premier League later this month. It is believed that Samatta has a verbal agreement with the West Midlands outfit which will allow the striker to seek a move elsewhere if they fail to avoid the drop this season (via Takvim).
Samatta’s Underwhelming Spell At Villa Park
The Tanzanian marksman has endured a lacklustre spell at Villa Park so far after struggling to find consistency with his performances since arriving from KRC Genk back in January. He has made a total of 15 appearances for the Villans this term, scoring two goals across all competitions which highlight his troubles in front of the opposition goal.
Samatta has failed to earn a regular place in Dean Smith’s first-team due to his inconsistent form as the focal point of the Villa attack. He has averaged 1.1 shots, 0.7 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season. However, he has been quite untidy when distributing the ball after completing 70.3% of his attempted passes in league football so far (stats via whoscored).
The 27-year-old is the current captain of the Tanzanian national team. He has earned 51 senior caps for his country, netting 18 goals in the process. However, he needs to secure regular first-team football at the highest level next season if he wants to take his game to the next level for both club and country in the years to come.
What Does The Tanzanian Striker Bring To The Table?
Samatta can use his pace to make some well-timed runs in behind the last line of the opposition defence. He is not shy of working hard for his team when leading the charge down the middle. The Tanzanian international has also got a great leap in him that allows him to score a lot of headed goals in the final third. When playing with confidence on the field, he can be a composed finisher in front of the opposition goal, but those days have been few and far between since his arrival at the start of this year.
Should The Villans Sanction Samatta’s Exit This Summer?
There is no denying that Samatta needs to improve his end-product if he wants to become a respected forward at the highest level. His season with the Villans could end in relegation tears, which would mean that Smith will have less leverage to keep him happy at Villa Park. However, with fate now in their own hands, the West Midlands giants will be quietly confident about their chances of safety heading into the final gameweek of this campaign.
Smith should consider keeping Samatta at the club for at least another season if he can save his team’s top-flight lives later this month. He is currently under a long-term contract, so the Villa supporters would need to be patient if they want to see the best out of the Tanzanian skipper.
