Newcastle United have struggled for consistency in front of goal this season, with top-scorers Ayoze Perez and Dwight Gayle having just five each in the league, and a decision to bolster the ranks in January with a loan addition hasn’t quite worked out.
The Magpies drafted in Algeria international Islam Slimani from fellow Premier League outfit Leicester City during the mid-season window but the World Cup striker initially struggled with injury problems, while he’s now facing another absence.
The striker was charged by the FA following an incident in the 1-0 defeat to West Brom at the weekend, allegedly kicking out at Baggies defender Craig Dawson, and is now expected to be issued with a three-match ban, ending his spell on Tyneside prematurely.
Because of this, The Mail has revealed the incredible cost of signing Slimani and how ineffective the output of finances has been.
“Slimani joined from Leicester on deadline day for a £2m loan fee, plus coverage of his £80,000-per-week wages – and that means he would have cost the club £28,000 for each minute he has spent on the pitch.”
