Islam Slimani is set to leave CFR Cluj at the end of the season, with the club deciding against extending the veteran striker’s contract.
The 37-year-old’s current deal is due to expire in June, bringing an end to a short spell in Romania that has not met expectations. Slimani, who joined the club in an attempt to revive his career, has struggled to make a consistent impact, raising uncertainty over his next move in professional football.
During his time at Cluj, the Algerian forward made 15 appearances, starting just four matches. He scored one goal and registered two assists, a return that has not convinced the club’s management to retain his services beyond the current campaign.
The situation had been hinted at earlier by sporting director Bogdan Mara, who suggested that decisions regarding the squad were still under consideration. “We don’t know yet. We’re already preparing, little by little, for the summer strategy,” he said at the time, offering no clear commitment to the striker’s future.
However, more recent indications suggest that Slimani is no longer part of Cluj’s plans, effectively confirming that he will depart once his contract expires.
For the Romanian side, the decision reflects a belief that the experienced forward is no longer capable of leading the attack, with the club now looking ahead to reshaping its squad for the next season.
Slimani, who has enjoyed a long career across multiple leagues, now faces a significant decision over whether to continue playing or bring his career to an end. The striker has built a reputation as one of Algeria’s most prolific forwards, notably becoming the national team’s all-time leading scorer with 46 goals in 105 appearances.
Despite his achievements at international level, a return to the Algeria national football team appears increasingly unlikely. Since the appointment of Vladimir Petković as head coach, Slimani has not been recalled to the squad, limiting his chances of adding to his international record.
His recent attempts to remain in contention, including a return to Europe and participation in the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup with the A’ team under Madjid Bougherra, have not yielded the desired outcome.
With no clear pathway back to the national team and his club future uncertain, the coming months will be decisive for Slimani. He may seek a new challenge in another league, but retirement is also emerging as a realistic possibility.
As one of Algeria’s most recognisable football figures in recent years, any decision to step away from the game would mark the end of a notable career that has spanned several countries and competitions.
For now, the focus remains on what comes next, as Slimani weighs his options following the conclusion of his time at CFR Cluj.
