Algerian striker Islam Slimani’s contract sparks debate as Cluj president rejects claims of financial strain

Islam Slimani’s future at CFR Cluj has come under renewed scrutiny after the club’s president publicly rejected accusations that the veteran Algerian striker is burdening the team’s fragile finances.

The 37-year-old, currently with Algeria’s A’ national squad preparing for the Arab Cup in Qatar from 1–18 December, has faced criticism in Romania over both his on-field impact and his alleged salary demands.

Slimani has registered one goal and one assist in eight appearances since joining Cluj, prompting frustration among sections of the club’s support.

With CFR Cluj wrestling with ongoing financial difficulties, some fans have claimed the former Premier League forward is worsening the situation.

But club president Iuliu Mureșan moved quickly to defend him, insisting the striker did not join the Romanian side for financial gain.

According to Mureșan, Slimani wasn’t thinking about money.

The president stressed that the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner accepted the offer from Cluj with hopes of reviving his international prospects after nearly a year away from Algeria’s senior team.

Slimani, who has earned 102 caps and scored 47 goals for the Fennecs, has not been selected for the main national squad since December 2023.

Slimani wasn’t thinking about money, but about the possibility of getting playing time again to rejoin the Algerian national team, which has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Mureșan said, emphasising the player’s ambition to return to the highest level.

While Slimani remains outside the plans of Algeria’s senior side, he has recently been welcomed back into the fold by Madjid Bougherra, who oversees the A’ selection.

For the striker, who remains his country’s all-time leading scorer, this marks a partial step toward his broader goal of reclaiming a place in the main squad.

Mureșan also addressed growing rumours regarding Slimani’s pay, describing the contract as modest and far from the speculation circulating among supporters.

He said Slimani earns a symbolic 5,000 euros per month — an amount considerably lower than his previous wages at CR Belouizdad and well below the typical European standard for a player of his pedigree.

🔴 Le président roumain Klogg déclare 🇷🇴🗣️ :

« Islam Slimani n’a pas rejoint l’équipe pour l’argent. Son salaire ne dépasse même pas les 5 000 euros. » 😳🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/ANWl8kQUS1

— 𝘼𝙇𝙂𝙀𝙍𝙄𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙐𝙁𝙊𝙊𝙏 🇩🇿 (@algeriactufoot) November 27, 2025

His salary is particularly low. With him, the costs are minimal. To be clear: 5,000 euros per month. He didn’t come for the money, the club president said, urging supporters to recognise the striker’s motives and the limited financial risk for the club.

The remarks were intended not only to quell public criticism but also to reassure Slimani amid reports from Romanian media suggesting he has yet to receive payment since joining the club.

As financial uncertainty continues to loom over CFR Cluj, speculation persists that Slimani could depart during the winter window, with a contract termination increasingly viewed as a likely outcome unless circumstances change.