Why Leicester City should part ways with Islam Slimani

According to Leicestershire Live, Islam Slimani could finally be on his way out of Leicester City. It has been reported that a host of French clubs such as St. Etienne, Marseille and Lyon are interested in signing the Foxes outcast. The only condition they want from him is to lower his salary.

Profile

Islam Slimani started his professional career with JSM Cheraga and CR Belouizdad in his native Algeria before completing a move to Europe with Portuguese heavyweights Sporting Lisbon.

An astonishing tally of 57 goals in 109 appearances for Sporting paved the way for a move to Leicester in 2016.

Slimani, though, failed to deliver the goods in English football. He managed a modest return of 13 goals in 47 games for the Foxes before being shipped out on loan to Newcastle United, Fenerbahce and Monaco.

The 32-year-old Algerian somewhat redeemed himself during his last loan spell at Monaco, where he accumulated 9 goals and 7 assists in 18 Ligue 1 appearances during the prematurely-terminated 2019-20 campaign. The Algerian is a veteran for his national side with 30 goals in 69 appearances.

Slimani has no future at Leicester

For someone who has played just one game for the club in the last two seasons, which has come this season, it is clear that the player has fallen down the pecking order in a ridiculous way. However, Slimani never looked a good fit at Leicester since arriving. He had a decent first season but since then, the forward has struggled to get regular game time.

While it is understandable that it is hard to displace a prolific striker like Jamie Vardy, a bit more was expected from the former Sporting man. It is also not the case that Leicester have numerous strikers at their disposal. Yet, Slimani remains on the fringes of the squad. That somewhat tells you that his time at the club is over.

Verdict

It would seem risky for Leicester to let go of a striker given they have just three of them on their books currently. However, selling Slimani would be the best for both the player and the club.

Slimani has done well away from Leicester and it looks like he needs a fresh start away from the King Power Stadium. The club would also be able to clear out some deadwood.