Marseille Must Wait on Mbwana Samatta Transfer
Olympique de Marseille’s interest in TP Mazembe striker Mbwana Samatta has hit a roadblock, according to reports from Africa Top Sports on Saturday. The Tanzanian forward’s transfer prospects are now complicated by his commitment to Belgian club Genk, with a contract already signed on December 16th and effective from May 1st, 2016.
Marseille had been among several European clubs keen on the 21-year-old, who was voted the best African player on the continent in 2015. Nantes and Standard de Liège had also expressed interest in securing Samatta’s services before OM entered the fray.
The situation leaves Marseille in a delicate position. Any attempt to sign Samatta before his contract with Genk officially begins could expose the club to severe financial and sporting sanctions from football authorities. As a result, the French side must exercise caution and patience in their pursuit of the talented striker.
Samatta’s move to Genk highlights the increasing competition for top African talent in Europe. Clubs are often forced to navigate contractual commitments carefully to avoid breaches that could result in heavy penalties. For Marseille, this means waiting until the Belgian contract becomes active before making any concrete moves.
While the club may remain keen on adding the forward to their squad, the situation underscores the need for strategic timing in the transfer market. OM’s management will be monitoring developments closely but must respect existing agreements to avoid jeopardising both the player’s career and the club’s standing.
For Samatta, the next steps in his career are now firmly tied to his commitment in Belgium, leaving interested clubs like Marseille to plan for a future acquisition rather than an immediate signing.
