West Bromwich Albion’s search for a striker has now led them to Leicester City’s forgotten man, Islam Slimani. The Baggies want to sign the Algerian, who was once Leicester’s record signing at £28 million, on loan for the 2020/21 campaign to ease the load on Callum Robinson up front.
West Bromwich Albion Considering Move for Leicester City’s Islam Slimani
Leicester Unsure
Despite being at Leicester since 2016, Slimani has featured just 47 times for them in all competitions. His first season, the one after the Foxes spectacularly won the Premier League title, was respectable as he bagged eight goals in a campaign in which his side largely struggled.
However, he scored just once in 12 in the 2017/18 season before being loaned to Newcastle United, where he failed to make any sort of impact in his four appearances.
Loan spells abroad with Fenerbahce and Monaco brought more playing time, but it was only the latter where the goals somewhat returned as the Algerian scored nine goals in 18 games.
Due to the 32-year-old’s poor performances in recent years, and the fact that he is out of contract next summer, Leciester would prefer to do a permanent deal now rather than losing him for free in a year’s time.
However, it’s unlikely West Brom would want to stump up a big sum for a player who has struggled in the Premier League.
Slimani’s experience of playing Champions League football with both Sporting Lisbon and Leicester is attractive to the Baggies, though, and it’s experience that they will need if they are to survive their first season back in the top flight.
Slaven Bilic‘s side are also looking at Huddersfield Town striker Karlan Grant, but agreeing on a fee with the Terriers is proving to be a difficult task.
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