Middlesbrough Opinion: Mbwana Samatta could fire Boro to promotion next season
According to the Hartlepool Mail, Middlesbrough are interested in signing Tanzanian international striker Mbwana Samatta from Belgian giants Genk.
The same source claims that Boro had the 26-year-old free-scoring centre-forward at the top of their shop list in the January transfer window, although a move failed to materialise.
However, Hartlepool Mail understands that Boro are keen to firm up their interest in the talented striker ahead of the summer window and have sent their scouts to keep close tabs on the Tanzanian, while Cardiff City have also been credited with an interest in the prolific frontman.
Samatta was in terrific form for Genk in the Jupiler Pro League in the recently-concluded campaign, having netted 20 goals in 28 appearances to finish top of the scorer’s list in the Belgian top-flight. The 26-year-old racked up a staggering 32 goals in all competitions this season, including 3 in the group stages of the Europa League.
The 26-year-old, who currently has 17 goals from 45 international appearances for Tanzania, played for Congolese club TP Mazembe before joining Genk in 2016. He hasn’t looked back since then and has made a big impression in his first couple of seasons in European football, racking up a total of 66 goals and 18 assists from 161 appearances for Genk in all competitions.
Blessed with all the attributes of an out-and-out centre-forward, Mbwana Samatta has caught the eye with his pace, agility, sharpness and clinical finishing in front of goal. Noted for his high levels of stamina, Samatta works extremely hard for his team in the final third and shows plenty of commitment on the pitch more often than not.
The Tanzanian tends to cause plenty of problems to the opposition with his subtle movement and physicality- using his strength and sharpness to lose his marker and making intelligent runs behind the backline. An aggressive player by nature, Samatta is always keen to put his foot through the ball and has the shooting prowess to score goals from outside the box as well. Furthermore, he is very strong in the air and takes his chances very well with both feet and head.
To put things into perspective, Middlesbrough can take a step closer to promotion by beating off competition for Mbwana Samatta. The 26-year-old has shown what a lethal striker he can be in the Belgian top-flight and few would argue against him making the step up to English football.
Britt Assombalonga scored 14 goals in the Championship this season but the Congolese international spurned plenty of chances and wasn’t clinical enough in front of goal. Boro are unlikely to sign West Ham loanee Jordan Hugill following an unimpressive return of 6 goals in 37 Championship outings, while Rudy Gestede is another player who has slipped down the pecking order.
Samatta would be a massive upgrade on their existing options up front, and given that Assombalonga has attracted interest from recently-promoted Sheffield United (h/t Northern Echo), it won’t be a bad idea for Boro to cash in on him.
Also, they should consider offloading Martin Braithwaite, who has enjoyed a second successive fruitful loan spell away from Teesside and is unlikely to stick around in the Championship. Ashley Fletcher is a useful back-up but someone like Samatta would transform Boro into a formidable force in the Championship.
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If Middlesbrough are really serious about getting back to the Premier League, they need a prolific striker and Mbwana Samatta’s acquisition could solve a lot of problems for manager Tony Pulis.
