Uncertain future: Islam Slimani’s struggles at CFR Cluj raise questions

Islam Slimani is facing an uncertain future at CFR Cluj after a difficult run of form and a sharp decline in playing time during the second half of the season.

The 37-year-old striker joined the Romanian side last summer on a one-season deal, hoping to remain in the spotlight and continue attracting the attention of the Algeria national football team coaching staff.

Slimani, the national team’s all-time leading scorer, is still aiming to take part in the World Cup and bring his international career to a memorable conclusion with the Fennecs.

His season initially began on a relatively positive note.

In the early months of the campaign, Slimani made eight appearances for Cluj, playing 323 minutes, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

The situation changed after he travelled to Qatar to compete in the 2025 Arab Nations Cup with Algeria’s A’ national side.

The team’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals with defeat to the United Arab Emirates national football team.

The tournament proved challenging for Slimani, who struggled to make a significant impact.

Since returning from the competition, his role at Cluj has diminished considerably.

The Algerian striker has played only five additional matches, starting just once and accumulating a total of 105 minutes on the pitch.

During that period he has recorded a single assist.

His reduced involvement has become even more apparent in recent weeks, with Slimani remaining on the bench for his side’s last three league fixtures.

He was given another opportunity last Wednesday in the Romanian Cup quarter-final against Universitatea Craiova.

Entering the match as a substitute, the striker struggled to influence proceedings and was shown a yellow card during extra time.

Cluj were eventually eliminated from the competition as Craiova secured victory.

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The uncertainty surrounding his situation has also been acknowledged within the club.

Sporting director Bogdan Mara admitted that Slimani’s future remains unresolved.

“We don’t know yet. We are already preparing, little by little, for the summer strategy.”

With his contract due to expire in June, attention is now turning to the next stage of Slimani’s career and whether the experienced forward will continue in Romania or seek a new challenge elsewhere.