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Aston Villa confirm signing of Mbwana Samatta

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of striker Mbwana Samatta from Genk.

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Mbwana Samatta (Photo: Hassan Mambosasa)

The 27-year-old forward joins for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £8.5m, signing a four-and-half year deal subject to a work permit and international clearance being granted.

The move helps bolster Dean Smith's thread-bare front line, with the boss being forced to play Anwar El Ghazi up front in the recent games against Leicester City, Manchester City and Brighton.

Smith has been robbed of the services of record-signing Wesley after the Brazilian suffered a season-ending knee injury in the win over Burnley.

Jonathan Kodjia has also departed Villa in a permanent move to Al Gharafa.

"I'm really pleased we have managed to bring Mbwana to the club." Smith said, regarding the deal.

"He has scored goals throughout his career and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Samatta has scored ten goals this season for Belgian side Genk, including a brilliant header against Liverpool in the Champions League.

He's expected to make his Villa debut in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at B6 against Leicester, with the score 1-1 on aggregate.