Simon Banza: DR Congo striker joins PAOK from Al-Jazira on loan

DR Congo and France striker Simon Banza has joined Greek club PAOK from Al-Jazira on loan, completing a move that runs until 30 June 2027.

The 30-year-old centre-forward becomes a PAOK player after one season in the United Arab Emirates, where he made three UAE Pro League appearances and scored once. He also scored in his only appearance in the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite qualifying campaign.

Banza’s move to Thessaloniki gives PAOK an experienced attacking option in the centre-forward position. The 1.89m striker is predominantly right-footed and has also represented both DR Congo and France at international level.

He joined Al-Jazira from Portuguese side Braga in September 2025 in a permanent transfer for €8.5m. Banza had spent the previous campaign at Braga after returning from a loan spell with Turkish club Trabzonspor, where he scored 21 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions during the 2024-25 season.

His time at Braga included a Portuguese League Cup winners’ medal in the 2023-24 campaign. He initially joined the club from French side Lens in July 2022 for €2.96m, following a loan spell at Famalicao.

Banza began his senior career with Lens, having progressed through the club’s youth system after starting at Creil and Chantilly. He also spent temporary spells with AS Beziers and Titus Petange before establishing himself in professional football.

The forward arrives at PAOK with his contract listed until the end of June 2027. His early 2026-27 campaign included limited league involvement for Al-Jazira, with appearances in 40% of the club’s possible UAE Pro League matches, while he played the full match in the AFC Champions League qualifying fixture.

Banza also featured twice at the 2026 World Cup, although he did not score in those appearances. He joins PAOK after leaving Al-Jazira on 14 September 2026 and will remain with the Greek club until the end of the loan agreement.