Fenerbahce have completed the signing of Islam Slimani from Leicester City. The Algerian striker has signed a season-long loan deal with the Turkish side. Slimani struggled during the first half of last season at Leicester and failed to cement a spot in Claude Puel’s first team.
Fenerbahce will pay a loan fee and Islam Slimani’s salary for a season to take the striker from Leicester City. No option to buy. #LCFC #Fener #SCP #ALGhttps://t.co/cHPRLGerUV pic.twitter.com/ijb6DgwStA
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) August 9, 2018
Fenerbahce Sign Islam Slimani From Leicester City
Algerian international Islam Slimani failed to impress at Leicester during the two years he has been at the club. Slimani is Leicester’s record signing but unfortunately was unable to replicate his form at Sporting CP. It’s rare to see older players go on loan as the modern game sees clubs’ youth go on loan in an attempt to get first-team experience. Nonetheless, the Foxes feel it is beneficial for Slimani to head to Turkey for the season and hopefully return next year as a more developed striker.
Past His Peak Already
Foxes fans had extremely high hopes of Islam Slimani when he joined back in 2016, however, his time at Leicester has been extremely underwhelming. On paper, Slimani was the perfect strike partner for Jamie Vardy; a tall, physical, target man. However, both Craig Shakespeare and Claude Puel seemed to prefer Japanese international, Shinji Okazaki.
By the time Slimani returns from his loan spell with the Turkish side, he will be 31-years of age. Slimani is arguably missing one of the crucial years in his career as the early thirties are often seen as a player’s ‘prime.’
The Turkish Super Lig is obviously less competitive than the Premier League and this may help Slimani rebuild some confidence. The Foxes will be without Riyad Mahrez and Ahmed Musa this season, so Slimani’s absence may be felt in the Leicester camp, especially since Jamie Vardy may be fatigued after the World Cup.
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