Latest reports in England are confirming that Islam Slimani is ready to make his loan deal a permanent one. The Algerian finally got a much-needed escape from being wasted on the bench at Leicester City by sealing a loan deal to Newcastle United.
Yes, yes, I would like to stay longer if I do well,” said Slimani. “I’m just on loan at the minute but if I could stay here I’d be very happy, so let’s see how it goes. Alan Shearer was a great, great striker, but from what I know there’s no star here we’re a group who are gelling and our aim is to do best for the team. The No 9 is what I feel the most comfortable in, so why not?”
The Algerian has already had a lift in his mood since his switch before even playing a game.
He said: “The big difference is that he (Rafa) trusts me and when you have the trust of your coach that’s very important. They trusted me at Leicester, it’s not that I wasn’t trusted, I started well but then I was dogged by bad health and injuries and couldn’t get in the team.
“I’m looking forward, Newcastle is now, Leicester was last year. The manager here phoned me and we had a good chat. There was a good feeling between us and it’s important to get a call like this, to know that you’re wanted by a big coach like him.
I hope I can show what I’m capable of. At Leicester, I had a good time there and a good season, but it was always about injuries and getting injured but now it’s about Newcastle. I’ve worked hard all week and the aim is to give 100 percent every single match.”
I think Newcastle’s a big club and it’s a good choice,” he said. “A lot of clubs got in touch but I’m pretty sure I made the right choice. I’m here to support the team and have a good second half to the season.
“I knew a lot about Newcastle, Alan Shearer, I’d also seen the film Goal. It’s a great club a very famous club, world-renowned players like Alan Shearer. I’m here to give my best to fight for my team.”
With the player less than keen to return to his former club and Leicester already having established forwards in Jamie Vardy, Shinji Okazaki, Ahmed Musa (out on loan at the moment) and Kelechi Iheanacho, the best deal for all parties would be for Leicester to accept a healthy fee for Slimani and let the player try his luck at Newcastle.
