Mbwana Samatta has fired KRC Genk to the top of the Jupiler League, but can he save Cardiff City from relegation out of the Premier League?
Signing players in January is “like climbing a mountain with butter on your hands” according to Neil Warnock (BBC). Though with Cardiff City aiming to survive their first season back in the Premier League, this is not stopping the veteran gaffer from trying to bring a prolific centre-forward to South Wales.
So far this month, The Bluebirds have been linked with Ivan Santini and Oumar Niasse while a stalling club-record deal for Nantes striker Emiliano Sala has left Warnock frustrated.
But, according to France Football, there is a new name on Cardiff’s hitlist – the KRC Genk striker Mbwana Samatta.
A 26-year-old Tanzania international, Samatta is enjoying the most prolific season of his career to date. He has scored 24 goals in just 31 games in all competitions, firing Genk seven points clear at the top of Belgium’s Jupiler League.
And France Football reports that Cardiff have now identified Samatta as an alternative to the elusive Sala, offering £11.6 million. Genk have turned down their opening offer, however, with a league title in their sights.
Should Cardiff raise their bid and secure Samatta’s services, he will exceed Chile midfielder Gary Medel as the club’s record signing.
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