Aston Villa have completed their third January signing. The Premier League strugglers have signed Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta from Belgian side Genk. The striker arrives for a fee of £8.5 million and becomes the first Tanzanian international to play in the Premier League.
Aston Villa Sign Mbwana Ally Samatta From Genk
Aston Villa announced via their website they had signed the striker. Samatta arrives as Dean Smith’s third January signing as he looks to get Villa climbing up the table.
Samatta arrives for a fee in the region of £8.5 million signing a four-and-a-half-year contract at Villa Park.
He is the striker Villa have been crying out for following Wesley’s season-ending injury in their win at Burnley. Villa have played their last four games in all competitions without a recognised centre forward.
Samatta brings pace and goals to the Villa front line. The 27-year-old has plenty of experience and brings a much-needed edge to the Villa attack.
Dean Smith is delighted to have him on board and is expected to add another forward before the transfer window closes. Samatta will be confident he is the man to fire Aston Villa to safety.
When Mbwana Samatta Will Play
He won’t feature in Villa’s crucial league game against Watford but will most likely make his debut in Villa’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Leicester on the 28th January.
His Premier League debut will be four days later against fellow strugglers Bournemouth.
What Was Said
Villa boss Dean Smith said, “I’m really pleased we have managed to bring Mbwana to the club.”
“He has scored goals throughout his career and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Aston Villa Confirm Two Departures
As well as signing Samatta, Villa have confirmed two departures from the club today.
Goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic has joined Toulouse on loan for the rest of the season. The Croatian international hasn’t played for Villa since February 2019. He will spend the rest of the season competing with Baptiste Reynet at Toulouse.
The other departure announced today was striker Jonathan Kodjia. The Ivorian has joined Qatari side Al-Gharafa for an undisclosed fee. The striker joined Villa in 2015 and helped them to promotion last season. He played just six league games this season.
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