Islam Slimani’s disappointing spell at Leicester City ended when he completed a move to Lyon on Wednesday.
The striker had entered into his final six months of his contract at the King Power Stadium, but Brendan Rodgers’ side allowed the 32-year-old to leave the club as a free agent in the winter market.
Slimani has signed an 18-month contract with the Ligue 1 side and will replace Moussa Dembélé, who moved to Atlético Madrid on a loan deal yesterday.
The Algeria international was presented to the media on Wednesday, and was accompanied by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas and sporting director Juninho.
Juninho revealed his side failed in their attempts to take the former Sporting man away from the Foxes during the last summer window.
“We talked a lot with Islam at the start of the season. I have a lot of admiration for him. He has a great mindset, a lot of experience,” the French club’s director said, as quoted by Le10 Sport.
“I tried everything during the last transfer window, [but] it didn’t work. He is here today and the whole club is happy (…) We are used to taking young players and it is good to bring experience.
“He wanted to come, and to see players who show this desire to wear the jersey, that matters a lot.”
Slimani was restricted to only 19 minutes of action for Leicester this season. The player will be hoping to feature regularly at his new club in the second half of the campaign.
