Newcastle completed three January signings despite restraints being placed on Rafa Benitez.
Newcastle United legend Micky Quinn has stated in his Evening Chronicle column that Islam Slimani boasts the goalscoring potential that can keep Rafa Benitez’s side in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old completed a season-long loan move to Newcastle on deadline day from Leicester City, after falling down the pecking order at the King Power with Jamie Vardy in excellent form once again for the Foxes.
He is expected to return from a muscle injury ahead of the Toon’s Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon at St. James’ Park, as Newcastle look to defy the odds by beating Jose Mourinho’s side.
Former Newcastle striker Quinn believes Slimani has what it takes to keep Benitez’s side afloat, claiming he is not another Joselu with the 27-year-old Spaniard struggling.
“Islam Slimani is a good centre forward. When he first arrived in England he looked like a good striker – I saw him score twice against Burnley and he looked a real aerial threat,” Quinn said.
“He’s not another Joselu in that respect – he’s a player a lot of other teams who are down there wanted as well. I think we’ve done fantastic business to get him and hopefully he can get the goals which can seal Newcastle’s Premier League safety.
“We’ve had to do the best with what was available at the time. I went into the month with low expectations and they were at least met.”
Newcastle are right in the middle of a relegation fight, sitting in 16th place and just one point above the drop zone. The Toon will need Slimani to hit the ground running if they are to survive relegation come May.
Algeria international Slimani has scored eight goals and laid on five assists during his 35 Premier League appearances at Leicester City, and has a contract until the summer of 2021 with it yet to be seen if he will move to Tyneside permanently.
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