Congo striker Simon Banza completes move to PAOK

PAOK Thessaloniki have completed the signing of Congolese striker Simon Banza on a season long loan from Al Jazira.

The Greek club confirmed the arrival of the 30 year old forward on Monday, 14 September, with the agreement running until the end of the season.

Banza will wear the number 24 shirt at PAOK and joins the club with an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the loan spell.

The move gives the Congolese international an opportunity to revive his form in Greece after spells with Trabzonspor and Al Jazira.

Banza began his career with RC Lens before also playing for Béziers and Luxembourg side UT Pétange. However, it was in Portugal where he established himself as a prominent striker.

He spent time with Famalicão before moving to Braga, where he produced the most prolific scoring campaign of his career during the 2023 2024 season.

The striker scored 23 league goals that season, underlining his ability in front of goal and making it the most productive league campaign of his career.

His performances in Portugal helped raise his profile before subsequent moves took him to Trabzonspor and then Al Jazira.

Banza now begins another chapter with PAOK as he looks to reproduce the scoring form that made him a standout forward in Portugal.

The Greek club see the Congolese international as a new attacking option for the season, while the inclusion of a purchase option gives both parties the possibility of continuing their relationship beyond the loan period.

For Banza, the move represents a fresh opportunity after his recent spells outside Portugal.

The 30 year old will now look to settle quickly in Thessaloniki and contribute to PAOK’s campaign while attempting to rediscover the form that saw him score 23 league goals in a single season.

His experience across France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates has given him a varied club career, with PAOK becoming the latest destination.

Banza’s immediate focus will be on adapting to his new surroundings and making an impact in the Greek league.

With his season long loan now confirmed, the Congolese striker has another opportunity to establish himself and potentially earn a permanent move to PAOK if the club decide to activate the option to buy at the end of the campaign.