Botafogo expressed interest in Simon Banza, a 30-year-old DR Congo international with 17 caps and 2 goals for his country, and submitted an offer for the striker. The player had also been a priority for CSKA Moscow, but talks were halted due to the geopolitical situation, while OGC Nice had also monitored him earlier in the summer transfer window. Despite the offer from Botafogo, Banza moved from Al-Jazira to PAOK on a loan deal which includes a purchase option valued at an estimated €6 million. The player's current market value is €10.00m, according to Transfermarkt, and his permanent transfer to Al Jazira was completed in September 2025 for a fee of €8.5 million.