PAOK Thessaloniki secures loan agreement for Simon Banza

PAOK Thessaloniki has reached an agreement with the Emirati club Al-Jazira to sign 30-year-old Congolese striker Simon Banza on a season-long loan. The deal includes a purchase option set at 4 million euros, which the Greek club can exercise next summer. Banza, who is under contract with Al-Jazira until 2028, joined the Emirati side in September 2025 and has since recorded 11 goals and one assist in 26 appearances.

The player's arrival in Thessaloniki, initially scheduled for the morning of September 11, 2026, was delayed due to flight issues, pushing his expected arrival to the afternoon. Upon landing, Banza is set to undergo mandatory medical examinations before finalizing his transfer. His professional background includes notable stints at Lens in France, Famalicao and Braga in Portugal, and a successful 2024-25 season with Trabzonspor, where he netted 22 goals in 37 games. He also represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the recent World Cup, further highlighting his experience as an international forward. The signing aims to bolster the PAOK attacking lineup as they integrate the experienced striker into their squad for the ongoing season.