In a recent print edition, Het Belang van Limburg has claimed that Genk are eyeing a loan move for Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta who is currently playing on loan at Fenerbahce. It is understood that the Belgian giants are planning to sign the Villan striker on loan during the summer transfer window (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Samatta’s Underwhelming Loan Spell In Turkish Football
Samatta has been guilty of being inconsistent with his performances for Fenerbahce this season as he has struggled to bang in the goals regularly in the Turkish Super Lig. The Tanzanian frontman has been involved in 29 matches for the Turkish outfit this term, finding the back of the net on six occasions across multiple competitions.
The 28-year-old has failed to be productive with his overall contributions in the final third based on his average of 1.4 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per game in the Turkish top-flight. However, he has distributed the ball relatively well after completing 77.3% of his attempted passes in league football this season (stats via whoscored).
Samatta has shown some signs of improvement during his loan spell in Turkey, so Dean Smith will now have to decide whether to include him in his long-term plans at Villa Park. If the Villans are unsure about his future, it would make sense for them to send him out on loan so that he can come back as a better version of himself next year.
Should The Villans Allow Samatta To Leave On Loan This Summer?
Samatta is a quick and agile forward who can time his runs well when attempting to get in behind the opposition defence. He can be a decent finisher in front of the opponent’s goal when he is playing with confidence on the field. The Tanzanian sensation is a hard-working centre-forward who can strike the ball purely and with power. However, he needs to find some consistency if he still wants to succeed at Villa Park someday.
Samatta can benefit from another loan switch this summer as he needs regular playing time which Smith might not be able to offer him at Villa Park in the upcoming campaign. At 28, he has still got some time to turn his career around for the better and make an impact at the highest level.
With all things considered, Aston Villa will be better off letting Samatta leave on loan once again this summer as they have already got Ollie Watkins as their primary forward with Wesley Moraes and Keinan Davis playing at his back-up at the West Midlands club.
