CFR Cluj part ways with veteran Algerian striker Islam Slimani by mutual consent

Romanian club CFR Cluj have officially announced the mutual termination of Algerian striker Islam Slimani’s contract, bringing an early end to his spell with the club.

In a statement published on Tuesday, CFR Cluj confirmed that both parties reached an agreement to part ways amicably after less than a full season together.

Slimani made 16 appearances for the Romanian side, scoring once and providing two assists during his time at the club.

The veteran forward had joined CFR Cluj last summer as a free agent, continuing a nomadic late-career journey that has taken him across multiple European leagues.

Before arriving in Romania, Slimani had signed with CR Belouizdad at the end of the 2024 summer transfer window on a two-year deal, but moved to Belgian side Westerlo in January 2025 on a short-term six-month contract. The Belgian club had confirmed at the time that the Algerian international would remain until the end of that season.

Long journey for Slimani

Now 37, Slimani has represented 14 clubs since beginning his professional career in 2007. His career started with JSM Chéraga before moving to CR Belouizdad then Europe, where he featured for major clubs including Sporting CP, Leicester City F.C., Newcastle United F.C., Fenerbahçe S.K., AS Monaco FC, and Olympique Lyonnais.

He has also worn the colors of Brest, Anderlecht, Westerlo, KV Mechelen, Coritiba FC and CFR Cluj, building one of the most extensive club careers among Algerian footballers abroad.

On the international stage, Slimani remains one of Algeria’s greatest-ever strikers. He helped Algeria win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and is the country’s all-time leading scorer with 46 goals in 102 international appearances.

Among his career honors are the 2019 AFCON title, the Portuguese Cup with Sporting CP in 2014-15, and the Portuguese Super Cup in 2015.

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