In a recent print edition, L’Equipe has stated that Leicester City outcast Islam Slimani is generating interest from France as Olympique Marseille are eyeing a loan move for him during the January transfer window. However, it is believed that Marseille boss André Villas-Boas does not ‘favour’ his arrival this winter with the Foxes striker struggling to earn regular game time at the King Power Stadium this season (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Slimani’s Uneventful Season In English Football
The Algerian forward has found life difficult at Leicester this season as he has struggled to secure starts for Brendan Rodgers’ first-team so far. He has made just three appearances for his current employers but is yet to register a goal for them this season.
Slimani experienced a productive loan spell at AS Monaco in the previous campaign when he featured in 19 matches, netting nine goals and securing seven assists across various competitions. He gave a good account of himself by averaging 2.9 shots, 1.8 key passes and 0.4 dribbles per game in the Ligue 1 last season. However, the Algiers-born talent needs to improve his accuracy when distributing the ball because he completed only 69.4% of his attempted passes in top-flight football in France (stats via whoscored).
Rodgers has preferred to use Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of Slimani this season. Thus, it is logical for both the club and the player to part ways with each other in January rather than wait until his contract runs out at the end of this season.
What Does The Algerian Centre-Forward Offer On The Pitch?
Slimani lacks pace but is proficient at finding other ways to threaten the opposition goal. He can use his strong 1.88m frame to dominate the aerial battle in the opposition half and is usually a composed finisher in the final third.
The 69-time Algeria international can score goals regularly when he is playing with confidence on the field. However, the lack of playing minutes has harmed his career at Leicester, so it makes sense for the player to seek a move away from England when the transfer window commences at the start of next month.
Should The Foxes Let Slimani Go Next Month?
At the moment, Slimani is surplus to requirements at the King Power Stadium. With the Foxes out of the EFL Cup, it’s difficult to see how Slimani can receive more playing time for them this season unless there is an unexpected injury crisis. Therefore, Rodgers has to figure out a way to ship him out of the club in January and bring in a younger alternative who would be able to step in and replace Vardy when he decides to retire in the coming years.
