Islam Slimani finally signed for OL in January 2021, when he was courted by ASSE during the winter transfer window. Established for the first time Tuesday, in the Coupe de France, the attacker was decisive against Ajaccio (5-1). Enough to leave a big regret to Claude Puel, the general manager of AS Saint-Étienne.
OL: Has Islam Slimani signed at the right club?
Claude Puel tried to recruit Islam Slimani to add to ASSE’s squad in the final transfer window. Former Leicester City manager in the Premier League, the Saint-Etienne coach is well acquainted with the 32-year-old striker he has under his command at the English club. Despite this advantage of his affinities with the goalscorer, the coach failed in his maneuver to sign the attacking player, Algerian international, to AS Saint-Étienne. The latter signed up with rival OL, despite being free from any contract. Islam Slimani had just broken his last five months of contract with the English club. In almost a month’s career at Olympique Lyonnais, he made 5 appearances in Ligue 1 Uber Eats, with Rudi Garcia’s side.
To keep his squad going, Olympique Lyonnais coach fielded his new recruit from the start, in the Coupe de France. The versatile forward took the opportunity to be decisive. He contributed to Gones’ wide 5-1 victory over Ajaccio, scoring one goal and providing two assists. It was Memphis Depay, captain Lyonnais, who led the way with his goal 10 minutes after kick-off. Cornet (24 ’minute), Cherki (38’) and Aouar (79 ’) finished the job. ASSE, which hoped to strengthen itself with the Algerian, must have regrets regarding the latter’s performance. The Algerian has opted for Lyon to increase his chances of making the next Uefa Champions League next season, which is far from being a given for Sainté.
Can Anthony Modeste do better with ASSE?
It should be remembered that the Greens have recruited Anthony Modeste, after missing Islam Slimani and also Mostafa Mohamed from Zamalek FC, who finally transferred to Galatasaray. Note that the Gones rookie played in Ligue 1, under the jersey of AS Monaco, last season. The striker had shone with the Monegasques as evidenced by his statistics: 9 goals and 7 assists in 19 games played.
To return to Anthony Modeste, he has taken part in 2 league games with ASSE since his signing. Holder during the victory of Stéphanois against FC Metz (1-0), Sunday, the attacker of the team of Claude Puel was not decisive. However, he has the opportunity to convince the Saint-Etienne supporters on the choice of his transfer this Thursday. It will be against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard (Ligue 2 club), in the 32nd of the Coupe de France. Will he be able to do better with ASSE than Slimani in Lyon? See you at the Auguste-Bonal stadium from 6:45 p.m. on February 11.
Through ALEXIS