Former Leicester City striker Islam Slimani is currently on the market having put an end to his time with Brazilian side Coritiba, as reported by journalist Manu Tournoux.
Slimani has recently been playing at the African Cup of Nations for Algeria, however his nation would be knocked out of the competition in the group stages having failed to win a single group game.
The striker would make three appearances during the tournament, all of those coming off of the substitute bench. He would not however have a huge impact in any of those games, failing to find the back of the net.
Although he has by no means set the world alight in the last couple of seasons at both an international level as well as at a club level, Slimani has had very prolific seasons in the past. He may have not applied himself in the best possible way in recent years with spells at French side Brest, Belgian heavyweights Anderlecht and most recently Coritiba, but the Algerian international probably still has something to give at a good level.
He is in fact his nation’s top goalscorer with 46 goals in 102 appearances and he may be the type of player that even some EFL sides may look into, with a desperate last move this window.
Slimani already has some experience in England through his time at Leicester Citymwhich would also seem him have a short spell with Newcastle United. During his time with the Foxes, the now 35-year-old would rack up 13 goals for the club, eight of those coming in the Premier League and one in the Champions League.
It may seem unlikely that Leicester will be in the race for their former striker given his recent performances, but Slimani would not be out of place in the Championship and brings experience at a decent level. After the news today, the striker may well look at a return to England to try to reinvigorate his career.
A post on the club’s official Twitter (X) account reads:
“Coritiba informs that athlete Islam Slimani is no longer part of the club’s professional team, due to the early termination of his employment contract.”
With Slimani’s next move uncertain at the minute, it is almost impossible to pinpoint where he will land next given he has played all over the world. His size and physicality would however fit the play style of many teams in the Championship and he could be one to monitor.
Writer’s View
Islam Slimani will be remembered as one of Leicester’s big signings just after all of their success which may have not worked out quite as well as the club had hoped. Despite spending five seasons with the Foxes, Slimani would make just 47 appearances, with numerous spells out on loan during that time.
The likelihood of a return to the King Power Stadium is next to none, however he could do a job for a number of other Championship sides who want to take a risk. Now 35 it may be one of his last spells in professional football and the striker may want to go out on a high.
Available on a free transfer, there is no reason why an ambitious side may not take a punt.
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