DR Congo striker Simon Banza joins PAOK on loan with €6m buy option

DR Congo international Simon Banza is set to return to European football after completing a move to Greek side PAOK FC on a season-long loan from Al Jazira.

The 30-year-old striker will spend the 2026–2027 season with the Greek club as PAOK look to strengthen their attacking options with an experienced forward who has a proven record in several of Europe’s top leagues.

The agreement between PAOK and Al Jazira includes an option for the Greek club to make Banza’s transfer permanent at the end of the loan spell.

Should PAOK decide to retain the Congolese forward beyond the 2026–2027 campaign, they will have to pay €6 million to secure his services on a permanent basis.

Banza’s arrival represents an important attacking addition for PAOK, particularly given his experience playing at a high level across different European competitions.

Before moving to the United Arab Emirates in 2025, the Congolese striker had established himself in some of Europe’s major domestic leagues, featuring in France’s Ligue 1, Portugal’s Primeira Liga and the Turkish Super Lig.

He enjoyed one of his most productive spells in Portugal with SC Braga during the 2023–2024 season, when he scored an impressive 21 goals in the Primeira Liga, establishing himself as one of the division’s dangerous attacking players.

Banza subsequently continued his goalscoring form in Turkey with Trabzonspor. During the 2024–2025 season, he found the net 19 times in the Turkish Super Lig, further demonstrating his consistency in front of goal.

His performances eventually earned him a move to the UAE, where he joined Al Jazira in 2025 and adapted quickly to a new footballing environment.

Despite making only 16 appearances during his first season in the UAE League, Banza made a significant impact, scoring nine goals for Al Jazira during the 2025–2026 campaign.

His return to Europe with PAOK now gives the striker another opportunity to compete at a high level and demonstrate that he still has plenty to offer at the top end of the game.

For PAOK, the loan arrangement also provides an opportunity to assess Banza’s performances throughout the season before deciding whether to activate the €6 million purchase option.

The Congolese international will be expected to bring goals, physical presence and valuable experience to PAOK’s attack as the club prepares for a demanding 2026–2027 campaign.

After a year in the UAE, Banza’s return to European football marks the latest chapter in a career that has seen him play across several leagues and establish himself as a reliable goalscorer at the highest domestic level.