Islam Slimani may return to Premier League with Leicester rivals

Former Leicester City striker and transfer flop Islam Slimani could return to a Premier League club during the summer transfer window. With newly promoted Nottingham Forest apparently admirers.

Where to begin with Slimani? Erm, OK, he didn’t really suit the system, which has been Jamie Vardy-appropriate for over six years. Which requires a leaner, quicker striker to execute the midfield through ball, as opposed to wing-heavy crossing. Wingers are more of support-forwards in Brendan Rodgers’ style, allowing fullbacks to overlap and provide the odd mid-height cross.

And that description is relevant to occasions when all is going well in certain games over the past while. You see, before the Northern Irishman, with regards to Craig Shakespeare or even Claude Puel, Vardy remained the man. And personnel surrounding attackers did not particularly cater directly to any understudies like the Algerian.

Obviously Rodgers, or indeed his predecessors, could have gotten Marc Albrighton playing to supply a taller target man. Along with a wideman on the opposing flank to float or fire aerial balls into Slimani; yet disregarding the contemporary No.9 was never an option. With Vardy now closer to age-40 than 30 – he is still the significant nucleus of sporting activity on Filbert Way.

Eventually the ex-AS Monaco hitman was shipped out of City, joining Newcastle United on loan in January 2018. Though injury issues and a barren spell in front of goal meant he didn’t remain at St James’ Park. Fenerbahce, as well a comeback at Monaco, were the next temporary homes for ‘Slim’. Following these switches he joined Olympique Lyonnais for free; then back Slimani went to Sporting CP.

What’s next for former Leicester City man?

According to a story carried by Nottinghamshire Live, the all-time leading Algeria national team goalscorer is being targeted by Forest. Talks are not yet being reported, though the 34-year-old is said to be on the Tricky Trees’ wishlist.