Report: Besiktas interested in signing Aston Villa’s Mbwana Samatta

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Besiktas are reportedly eyeing a move for Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta.

According to Turkish publication Fotospor, the Tanzania international has emerged as a target for the Istanbul-based side.

Samatta has struggled to cut the mustard at Villa Park after arriving at the club in January from Genk, scoring just two goals for the club in 16 appearances.

His lack of prowess in front of goal ultimately didn’t prove costly for Villa, who were able to preserve their Premier League status for another season.

Villa are busy preparing for the 2020/21 season, and today announced the arrival of Ollie Watkins from Brentford for a club-record fee.

Watkins is thought to have cost around £33 million all-in, and he will undoubtedly be a regular starter under Dean Smith.

With Wesley Moraes still having a lot to prove at the club once he returns from injury, it looks as though Samatta’s days may indeed be numbered.

TBR’s View – Recoup the outlay

If Besiktas are serious about signing Samatta then Villa should be looking to recoup what they paid (£8.5 million, BBC Sport).

He hasn’t even been at the club for a year yet, so surely the club are in a strong position to command a decent fee despite the player’s underwhelming form.

And if Besiktas aren’t willing to play ball, then perhaps he could be kept for backup purposes with Borja Baston or Keinan Davis making way instead.