It is not clear where Islam Slimani will be next season, but either Leicester City or Newcastle United should give him a chance.
Islam Slimani may have disappointed on Monday night against Everton, but he will surely be given another Newcastle United chance this weekend.
Time is running out for Slimani to impress enough to turn his loan move into a permanent switch, despite two handy substitute showings against Huddersfield Town and Arsenal.
A goal against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday would certainly aid his bid, but even that might not be enough for Rafa Benitez to splash out on a player that cost £30million just two years ago.
That is not to say Slimani should not be motivated in the coming weeks, though.
Even if he has little chance of convincing Newcastle to pay a hefty fee, he at least has the opportunity to show parent club Leicester City that he deserves a second shot.
Shinji Okazaki is no longer a guaranteed starter for Claude Puel’s men, while Kelechi Iheanacho has not yet impressed in the Midlands.
Therefore, Leicester’s options are largely limited to Jamie Vardy, and Slimani would provide a very handy boost.
Slimani is a different type of player to Vardy, strong and good in the air while keen to drop down, hold the ball up and pick passes. There is no reason the two could not work together.
Vardy may have been starting up front on his own of late, too, but it seems shortsighted to not have an alternative approach, with Slimani able to impact games either from the start or from the bench.
For Leicester to allow their record signing to leave permanently this summer without being a proper chance would be a big mistake.
He is clearly talented and, whether it be at Newcastle or Leicester, should be given a prominent Premier League role next season.
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