Simon Banza, a 30-year-old DR Congo international centre-forward, has joined PAOK on loan from Al Jazira. The agreement includes a €4 million purchase option and an annual salary of €2 million, which makes Banza one of the club's highest-paid players. Both the player's side and his club had received intense pressure from Olympiacos, but Banza chose the move to Thessaloniki. Banza joined Al Jazira from Sporting Braga in September 2025 for a fee reported to be €8.5 million, and his contract with the club is valid until 2028. He has 17 caps and 2 goals for DR Congo. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value to be €10.00m.