Democratic Republic of Congo striker Simon Banza has returned to European football after joining Greek club PAOK on loan from Al-Jazira.
The 30-year-old forward has moved to the Greek Super League side for one season, with an option to make the transfer permanent.
PAOK have officially confirmed Banza’s arrival as they look to strengthen their attack, with the club currently sitting second in the Greek league.
Banza spent the previous season in the United Arab Emirates with Al-Jazira after leaving European football in the summer of 2025.
His move to PAOK represents a return to the continent where he established himself as a prolific striker, particularly during his time in Portugal and Turkey.
The Congolese forward made his name in Portugal with Famalicão and Braga before moving to Trabzonspor in Turkey.
His spell at Trabzonspor was particularly productive. Playing on loan from Braga, Banza scored 22 goals and provided seven assists in 37 matches for the Turkish club.
He also scored 23 league goals for Braga during the 2023-24 season, further strengthening his reputation as one of the forwards attracting attention in the European market.
After his time in Portugal and Turkey, Banza moved away from Europe in 2025 when he signed for Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates.
One year later, he has secured a return to European football with PAOK.
The Greek club have given Banza the number 24 shirt as he begins his latest challenge in the Super League.
Reports from Turkey suggest the purchase option included in the agreement is worth about €4m, although PAOK’s announcement confirmed only that the deal includes an option to buy.
Banza joins a PAOK side competing near the top of the Greek league and aiming to maintain its challenge for the leading positions.
However, the striker will have to compete for a starting place in an attack that already has several options.
One of the players Banza will encounter at PAOK is Senegalese forward Chérif Ndiaye.
The presence of Ndiaye adds an African dimension to the competition for places in the Greek club’s attack, with the two forwards expected to compete for opportunities under the PAOK coaching staff.
For Banza, the move provides an opportunity to revive the form that made him a notable striker in European football.
His record at Trabzonspor remains the clearest indication of his goalscoring ability, with 22 goals in 37 official appearances during his loan spell.
His earlier performances in Portugal, including his 23 league goals for Braga in the 2023-24 campaign, had also established him as a forward capable of producing consistently in European competition.
Banza’s career has taken him across several leagues and countries, including France, Luxembourg, Turkey, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates.
He will now add Greece to that list as he begins his first season with PAOK.
