Slimani Has Medical, Newcastle Move Imminent

Earlier this morning reports surfaced that Newcastle were attempting to sign Islam Slimani from Leicester City on loan. By the afternoon, the striker was in Newcastle for a medical, and now that medical has been completed. It is expected that an announcement will be made soon, either right before or right after tonight’s match against Burnley.

Per The Chronicle the deal is a £2m fee for the loan plus the players wages in full. It was reported that West Ham were interested in the player, but Slimani ultimately chose Newcastle over the Hammers.

Slimani is hopefully going to be that clinical finisher that Rafa’s side needs. It has been evident especially over the past few games that Newcastle have the quality to create chances but, awful finishing from Joselu, Gayle, and Perez have left Newcastle with disappointing results.

Slimani brings a similar but more effective play style to Joselu. He is going to be a striker who holds up the ball and relies on the midfield to help create chances. He is not going to create on his own. That being said, he could see similar success to what he had a Sporting where he scored 28 goals in a season before being sold to Leicester, as long as Rafa uses him in a similar role as Joselu.

Unfortunately Newcastle fans are going to have to wait to see the Algerian, as he is nursing a thigh injury and won’t be available for another 2 weeks.

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