Mbwana Samatta set to become first Tanzanian in the Premier League after joining for undisclosed fee

Aston Villa have announced the signing of forward Mbwana Samatta from Genk.

The 27-year-old is set to become the first Tanzanian to play in the Premier League after moving to Villa for an undisclosed fee.

"It's a huge step for me in my career," Samatta told Villa's official website.

"For all the people in Tanzania, this is a very big step for the country as well.

"Everybody there, they were looking for it to see when someone from Tanzania could play in the Premier League, and here I am today."

Samatta registered 76 goals in 191 matches for Genk since joining four years ago.

His 23 goals last season helped Genk claim the Belgian league title. He has struck three times in the UEFA Champions League this season, including at Liverpool.

He is the third signing of the January transfer window by Villa, after midfielder Danny Drinkwater and goalkeeper Pepe Reina joined on loan.

Villa are next in action on Tuesday evening, when they host Watford, the team immediately above them in the table in 17th place.

See: January 2020 transfers