Recent reports have linked Leicester City forward, Islam Slimani with a possible linkup with Slaven Bilic at West Ham United.
As per the reports, the Algerian has mostly played second fiddle to Okazaki for a major part of the season and is apparently frustrated by the lack game time at the King Power Stadium and is contemplating a move away from the Foxes.
Bilic, on the other hand, has been left discontent and disgruntled with his forwards’ lacklustre performance throughout the recently concluded season which makes this potential transfer look like a match made in heaven.
But with 4 years still remaining in the Leicester forward’s contract, the Foxes are definitely going to play hardball in letting the player go. According to tabloid reports, the Algerian who arrived last summer from Sporting Lisbon is said to be valued at around £25m by the Foxes.
The Algerian has failed to live up to his price tag having made less than impressive contributions upfront and much was expected from him, post the scintillating form shown by him at Portugal.
Nonetheless, let us take a look at the stats of the 28-year old and see for ourselves the contribution he might be able to make to the Hammers frontline.
Player stats
The player was granted only 13 first team starts in his 23 league appearances for his club where he has managed to score only 7 goals and assist 4. Not too bad for someone irregular on the team sheet but still seeing the price tag on the player (£28m), a little bit more was expected of the forward.
The player had a decent pass success rate of 71% and has made 17 key passes for his team in the Premier League, showing that he does possess the requisite skill and vision to create chances and take part in the build-up play up front.
Standing at 6’2″, the player possesses a serious aerial threat during set pieces and corners and is also well known for his composure in front of goal. (Stats via Squawka)
What’ll he offer the club?
Hammers have failed to provide the finishing or the creativity in the attacking third throughout the entire Premier League season 16/17. Losing Payet, one of their key players, in the latter half of the season added salt to their wounds.
It’s safe to say that although irregular and inconsistent sometimes on the pitch, Slimani does have the flamboyance and flair to be lethal upfront and under Bilic’s able guidance if he does develop and rectify his flaws then he just might prove to be the messiah to propel the Hammers forward.
Worth the money?
Looking at the present state of the forwards at Bilic’s disposal, it is absolutely a glaring fact that he needs to secure some talent up front this summer and the signing of the Algerian might just pave the way for the resurrection of Bilic’s side.
But seeing the stats, the player should be valued at £20m and not a penny more.
