Islam Slimani Attracts Bundesliga Interest After World Cup Breakthrough
Algeria striker Islam Slimani has emerged as one of the standout performers of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, drawing interest from several top European clubs, including a number of Bundesliga sides.
The 26-year-old, who plays for Sporting CP in Portugal, impressed with his physical presence and goal-scoring ability during Algeria’s historic run to the Round of 16. His performances have significantly raised his profile, prompting interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke 04, according to Algerian sports daily Le Buteur.
Both German clubs are reportedly preparing offers for the forward, who scored two goals in the tournament, including a crucial strike against Russia that helped Algeria progress to the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
However, competition for Slimani’s signature is already intensifying. Turkish club Trabzonspor, now managed by former Algeria head coach Vahid Halilhodžić, has already submitted a bid. Halilhodžić is understood to be eager to reunite with the player he coached during the World Cup, but Sporting CP rejected the initial offer.
The Lisbon-based club is holding firm on its valuation of Slimani, reportedly demanding a fee in the region of €10 million to release him from his contract. The striker joined Sporting from CR Belouizdad in 2013 and has since developed into a key attacking asset for both club and country.
In addition to interest from Germany and Turkey, several English Premier League clubs are also believed to be monitoring Slimani’s situation closely, though no formal bids have been made public.
With his stock on the rise, Slimani’s future appears to lie away from Lisbon, but Sporting are in no rush to sell and will likely wait for the highest bidder. The coming weeks could see a bidding war for the Algerian international, whose World Cup exploits have made him one of the most talked-about forwards of the summer transfer window.
