West Ham are interested in signing Racing Genk striker Mbwana Samatta, according to the BBC. It is believed that the Hammers and Newcastle could both make a bid for the 26-year-old in the January transfer window.
The Tanzanian international reportedly has a release clause of just £10m, which could be seen as a very affordable price considering the cost of other forwards on the market. Supporters on Twitter have had a mixed reaction to the Irons’ interest:
Please let this be true. Have to watch a lot of Belgian football for work and he has been incredible at Genk. More so when (now Brighton's) Trossard was still there, but, he scores goals. What more do you want? ?♂️
— Stuart Plant (@Hairymonkeyboy) November 8, 2019
Championship level striker
— Peter Curtis (@Peter_Curtis1) November 7, 2019
When will we learn that it doesn’t matter what striker we have up top when we can’t get the ball to them. We could buy lewandowski put him upfront and he won’t see the ball. Sort out the midfield first
— Adam (@Adam_Nichols1) November 7, 2019
has a good record in pro league.
didn't have a good Afcon though.
he will come if the offers made as we will give him a big pay rise
— AndyK (@Andyk23Andy) November 7, 2019
Why would he come with us with what we are doing to haller and the other young lad we brought!
— Baz ⚒ (@Barrynewfeb) November 7, 2019
New maiga, that's it. Going backwards. FAST.
— Darren Layton (@DarrenLayton4) November 7, 2019
We should really be looking at Sander Berge if we are interested in Genk players as much as I love the Tanzanian Mbappe
— Dawkins (@Si_23Q) November 8, 2019
Why not try to get a Prem striker who’ll do the job???
— Terry P (@Hammerstel87) November 7, 2019
Good signing that
— Matt (@MattR_WHUFC) November 7, 2019
Just get Kane. Go and get him. What you all staring at?!
— KD (@Kirk_NPT) November 7, 2019
Samatta has scored eight goals in 18 appearances for Genk this season, following on from the 32 he managed in all competitions last campaign.
Genk are said to be resigned to losing the player in January but West Ham will likely have a battle on their hands to secure his signature.
In addition to Newcastle, Crystal Palace and a number of German clubs are also keeping a close eye on the striker’s situation, and could make their own bids when the window reopens.