It’s official folks! Newcastle have confirmed the deadline day signing of Leicester City striker Islam Slimani – with the former Sporting Lisbon striker arriving on loan until the end of the season.
The 29-year-old signed for the Foxes for a whopping £29m in the summer of 2016, however has struggled to gain a regular place in their side ahead of Jamie Vardy – despite him bagging 8 goals and 5 assists across 15 starts for the club.
The Algerian international has 5 goals to his name to far this season, with him scoring 57 goals in 109 games during three seasons with Sporting Lisbon between 2013-2016 prior to his move to England.
Here’s what he’s had to say since making the move official tonight:
“It’s a great thing for me and for Newcastle. I’m happy to be here. Hopefully I can come here and be able to give them a hand,”
“Knowing the power of the fans and crowd here and how great they are, and also speaking to the manager, it gave me the confidence that this was the right choice.”
CONFIRMED: The deal to bring Islam Slimani to Newcastle United on loan until the end of the season is complete! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/avtJGgtxfk
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 31, 2018
Whilst there’s been nothing confirmed as of yet, it’s been suggested that NUFC have paid Leicester a £2m loan fee for his services, with the club also set to pay his wages in full for the remainder of the seasom.
Welcome to the club big lad! Here’s some clips of our new striker in action!
Islam Slimani – Welcome to #nufc pic.twitter.com/0IHj5PzgJU
— John (@jbxnufc) January 31, 2018
