Why West Ham must take a gamble on Mbwana Samatta in January
West Ham are tracking the progress of KRC Genk centre-forward Mbwana Samatta, according to a report from Football.London. However, the Hammers are not the only club interested in the striker, with Everton, Burnley and Brighton also keeping tabs.
Mbwana Samatta, 25, has caught the eyes in Belgium this season and has so far scored 14 goals in 16 games for his club, with six of those coming in the Europa League qualifiers.
West Ham have recovered from a dreadful start that saw them lose the first four Premier League games of the season. The Hammers made some big-money signings in the summer but Manuel Pellegrini failed to strike a proper balance in his team. However, the Hammers have turned the corner with important points against Everton, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Truth be told, West Ham do lack a prolific goalscorer despite spending big on the likes of Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko. Marko Arnautovic is the leading marksman for the Hammers and he has so far netted four league goals.
Javier Hernandez’s only goal this season came against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup back in August, while Andy Carroll remains sidelined with an ankle problem.
Keeping the options in mind, West Ham should sign a player capable of taking the pressure off Arnautovic’s shoulders. In that case, Mbwana Samatta appears to be an exciting option.
Having begun his career in African football, Samatta moved to Europe with Genk in early 2016. It is that move to Genk that has changed the Tanzania striker’s fortunes. There has been no looking back for Samatta as he is currently banging goals left, right and centre in Belgium. Also not to forget, the 25-year-old has also scored 16 goals in 44 games for Tanzania.
Primarily a striker, Samatta can also play as a winger or as a second striker. He is blessed with electric pace, agility and sharpness, and is a poacher in every sense. He is a predator inside the box and is capable of scoring with powerful shots from any range.
It is his clever movement that makes him such a difficult player to mark as he has the basic instincts of a centre-forward. Despite being just 5ft 11in tall, Samatta is also good in the air and can shrug off defenders with his frame.
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Not the most technically blessed player but certainly efficient and confident in front of the goal, West Ham must take a punt on Samatta in January.
If the 25-year-old reproduces his rich form in the Premier League, he would turn out to be a fantastic addition for the Hammers.