Simon Banza has officially joined Greek club PAOK on loan from Al-Jazira, with the agreement including an option to buy the Congo international for €6m.
The 28-year-old striker had attracted interest from CSKA Moscow, although that move failed to progress because of the geopolitical context. Botafogo and OGC Nice had also been monitoring his situation.
The move to PAOK will see Banza play in the sixth different league of his professional career.
PAOK have secured a centre-forward with a strong scoring record from his previous campaigns. During a loan spell at Trabzonspor last season, the former RC Lens and Braga striker produced 22 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
Banza is now expected to become a central part of PAOK’s tactical plans for the coming campaign.