Dean Smith Aston Villa
Dean Smith has revealed how Mbwana Samatta “reluctantly agreed to go” to Fenerbahce after telling the striker his game-time at Villa would be limited. The Tanzanian only signed at the back-end of January and, just 16 appearances later, he’s left to join the Turkish giants on a permanent four-year deal. Samatta, 27, scored just two goals (both headers) in 16 games – one on his Premier League debut at Bournemouth and another at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final in March. Smith, meanwhile, went out and signed £33 million Ollie Watkins this summer while it’s believed £19 million addition Bertrand Traore can play as a No.9 if needed. Keinan Davis, 22, signed a new four-year deal just last week, too.
Dean Smith said “I think it was the right decision in the end, He couldn’t be guaranteed minutes here and we’ve paid out a record amount of money for Ollie Watkins, who we believe is going to be a top striker here. Keinan Davis has signed a new contract as well and we have Wesley to come back in the new year. We just can’t stockpile players and we had an offer from Fenerbahce and I think Ally reluctantly agreed to go. We’re disappointed it didn’t work out how we all wanted because he’s a good player and a really good lad. But the club has moved on from that and we wish him well in his career now. I don’t believe (we’re short) because we also have Traore who can play there as well. He’s a player whose positions have been wide right or centre forward so if needs be, we’ve certainly got one who can play there as well. We want to add goals from all of our forward-thinking players. Jack (Grealish) had his most productive season last year in terms of goals and assists and Trezeguet scored six I think last season. We want our goals to come from all areas but we’re hoping Ollie can be that player that can come good.”
