Leicester City Opinion: Why the Foxes should go all out for Mbwana Samatta

According to a report from the Sun, Leicester City are one of the clubs interested in signing Genk striker Mbwana Samatta.

The Tanzania international, 26, fired Genk to the Jupiler League title last season with 23 goals. He is understood to be keen to move to England after an incredible season in Belgium’s top flight. The report adds the likes of Watford, Brighton, Burnley and Aston Villa are also keen on Mbwana Samatta, who is valued at £12 million by Gent.

Speaking about Leicester City, they will look to improve next season after a ninth-placed finish in the 2018/19 campaign. Brendan Rodgers is at the helm of the club and his aim will be to challenge the ‘Big Six’ of the Premier League and book a place in Europe. He already has an exciting squad at his disposal, but the Foxes need more quality players to break into the top six.

One of the most important aspects Leicester must strengthen is the forward department, with Jamie Vardy the only bonafide goalscorer in the team. Kelechi Iheanacho has been underwhelming since joining from Manchester City in 2017, while Shinji Okazaki will leave the King Power Stadium upon the expiry of his contract this month.

Iheanacho’s failure to deliver the goods expected from him has put the entire goalscoring burden on Vardy shoulders and while the former England international performed extremely well since Rodgers’ appointment, he has started ageing. Thus, the Foxes need a reliable goalscorer to take the pressure off Vardy and Mbwana Samatta could be the ideal fit.

Samatta, who joined Genk from TP Mazembe in 2016, is a pacey, explosive and intelligent centre-forward. He is lethal in the box, known for pouncing on the opposition’s mistakes and punishing them. The Tanzanian loves to play on the shoulders of the defenders and knows to make runs in the right channels to capitalise on the through balls and the crosses.

The 26-year-old isn’t a big, burly figure, yet his presence in the opposition box makes him a real threat from set-pieces and crosses. Samatta is adept at using short and quick exchanges to link up with his teammates in and around the penalty area, whilst his ability to strike from distance also keeps the goalkeeper on his toes.

Verdict

Leicester clearly need an able deputy to Vardy next season. Samatta would be the right choice, as he’ll not only bolster the Foxes’ attacking ranks but also add depth to the squad.

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The addition of a player like Samatta would address a multitude of issues within Rodgers’ team and would make complete sense for both the parties involved.