And as of today (September 14), Simon Banza is officially a PAOK player, following the announcement of his loan from Al Jazira.
PAOK has the option to buy the Congolese forward next summer, by paying the Saudi Arabian club the sum of four million euros, according to reports.
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It is worth noting that the signing of Banza will not necessarily be PAOK’s final move, as the club is seriously considering acquiring yet another player, this time for the defensive flanks.
As for the 30-year-old forward, he is expected to be available for the “black-and-whites’” match against Atromitos, in the Superbet Greek Cup, the day after tomorrow (9/16) in Peristeri.
The full announcement reads as follows:
“PAOK FC announces the signing of forward Simon Banza from Al Jazira, with the agreement providing for a one-year loan and a purchase option. The 30-year-old will wear the No. 24 jersey.
Simon Bokote Banza, born on August 13, 1996, in Creil, France, and originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is an international forward.
Banza developed his talent in the Lens youth academy, where he took his first steps as a professional. With the French club, he recorded a total of 99 appearances and 18 goals, playing in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.
During his career, he also played on loan at Béziers and UT Pétange, where he stood out for his scoring ability, netting 18 goals in a single season with the Luxembourg club. In 2021, he moved to Portugal to play for Famalicão. In his first season in the Primeira Liga, he scored 17 goals in 33 appearances, confirming his ability to be a constant threat in the opponent’s box.
His performances led to his transfer to Braga in July 2022. With the Portuguese club, he continued his upward trajectory, with his peak coming in the 2023–24 season, when he scored 23 goals in the Primeira Liga and also won the Portuguese League Cup.
In September 2024, he joined Trabzonspor on a one-year loan, continuing his career in the Turkish league.Starting in September 2025, Simon Banza played in the United Arab Emirates for Al Jazira.
He made his debut with the Democratic Republic of the Congo national team in October 2023, in a 1-1 draw against New Zealand. He was subsequently named to the DR Congo squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. In May 2026, he was named to the DR Congo’s final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Welcome to PAOK, Simon!”
*photo source: paokfc.gr
