Genk's Aly Mbwana Samatta reacts during a soccer match between RSC Anderlecht and KRC Racing Genk, Sunday 22 December 2019 in Brussels, on day 20 of the 'Jupiler Pro League' Belgian soccer championship season 2019-2020. (Getty Images)
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Brighton signing this 25-goal spearhead for £10m would provide a steady flow of goals

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Why Mbwana Samatta could solve Brighton’s goalscoring issues

According to Daily Mail, Brighton and Hove Albion have enquired about Genk star Mbwana Samatta for a possible January move.

The Seagulls will have to face heavy competition from Norwich City, who have also kept tabs on him while Eintracht Frankfurt and Lazio are also interested in acquiring Samatta’s services, as per the report.

Halfway through the season, the Tanzanian forward has scored 10 goals in a total of 28 games across all competitions, including the three against Liverpool and Salzburg in Champions League. He has further set up two more for his teammates this season.

Samatta, 27, finished as the top-scorer of Belgian top division last season with 25 goals and help Genk lift their fourth league trophy. And has continued with the form into this term. His performances for the Belgian outfit have been excellent, thus attracting interest across Europe.

Genk's Aly Mbwana Samatta reacts during a soccer match between RSC Anderlecht and KRC Racing Genk, Sunday 22 December 2019 in Brussels, on day 20 of the 'Jupiler Pro League' Belgian soccer championship season 2019-2020. (Getty Images)
Genk’s Aly Mbwana Samatta reacts during a soccer match between RSC Anderlecht and KRC Racing Genk, Sunday 22 December 2019 in Brussels, on day 20 of the ‘Jupiler Pro League’ Belgian soccer championship season 2019-2020. (Getty Images)

Along with 20 league games, Samatta has also featured in 6 Champions League games for Hannes Wolf’s side, establishing himself as one of the key members for Genk. He came through the ranks of African Lyon’s youth system and moved to Belgium after four and a half years with TP Mazembe in Congo, for whom he played in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2016.

That being said, it is no surprise that Brighton have made their interest known on the established striker. The Seagulls have endured a mixed season so far and find themselves 14th in the league standings for now.

Graham Potter’s side have scored just 25 goals in 21 top-flight games and have lacked intensity while attempting to make every shot count. Neal Maupay has been their only productive goal-scorer with 7 to his name.

Youngster Aaron Connolly and veteran Glenn Murray, the other centre-forwards in their ranks, have accounted for just 2 goals together – both coming from the youngster. Potter has no other established strikers available at his disposal except for Maupay.

Mbwana Samatta (Getty Images)
Mbwana Samatta (Getty Images)

And with half the season yet to be played, it would be wise for the manager to make a move for a striker, who can convert their issues with a decent scoring record. In that case, Genk man Mbwana Samatta would perfectly fit the bill.

The 27-year-old has played at the top for quite some time, having featured in 51 games for Tanzania at the international level. He has proven to be a consistent goal-scorer and Potter would work wonders by accommodating him in the starting line-up if a deal goes through.

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Verdict

It is clear that the Seagulls are in dire need of a striker to improve their performances and move higher up the table.

Mbwana Samtta has established himself as one of the potent strikers in Europe. (Getty Images)
Mbwana Samatta has established himself as one of the potent strikers in Europe. (Getty Images)

To bring control to their woes, Samatta would be the right person to lead their attack for the rest of the season. Therefore, they must not hesitate to cash out £10million for the Tanzanian.