Can Cardiff City target Mbwana Samatta actually save their season?
Only one point separates Cardiff City from the relegation zone. The dreaded drop is something Neil Warnock and his side cannot be a part of. The Bluebirds have struggled this season, both offensively and defensively, having conceded 41 goals and scored only 19.
Their top scorer is former midfielder/converted striker Callum Paterson, with Cardiff City’s three centre-forwards scoring a grand total of one goal.
This has been a massive part of their downfall. With the January window open, the Bluebirds must aim to change their fortunes. According to Daily Mail, they are leading the race for Genk striker Mbwana Samatta, the in-form Tanzania center-forward. The 26-year-old has been at his best this season, scoring 24 goals in 31 appearances so far. Daily Mail has further added that Schalke are in the race as well.
Given that Cardiff City have submitted a £13million offer for the Genk forward, any further offer has been put on hold till the Belgian side decides. But if there is one team that needs the 26-year-old, it’s Neil Warnock and his side. The 17th place side has a tough next few months and they’ll need all the help they can to survive the Premier League.
Mbwana Samatta, on the other hand, has been nothing short of brilliant for the Belgian side since his arrival two years ago, scoring 58 goals in 143 games for Genk. While that does outscore all of Cardiff City’s forwards, the question does arise – can Samatta do the same in the tough and physical Premier League?
While that question cannot be answered right away, there is one thing that can be said about the 26-year-old. His speed, power and ability on the ball will make him a great asset to Cardiff City. In fact, his attributes are a far cry from the kind of players they have at their disposal now.
Samatta’s drive and desire to excel will help the Bluebirds when the going gets tough. Not to mention, his creativity has allowed Mbwana Samatta to create goals, assisting a whopping 14 so far. Hence, Cardiff should leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the explosive Tanzanian centre-forward this January.
