"A shame" - Norwich City urged to consider Anis Slimane situation amid exit talk | OneFootball

FLW's Norwich fan pundit has given his verdict on the situation surrounding Anis Slimane's future

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Anis Slimane’s future at Norwich City is in doubt after Liam Manning confirmed that difficult discussions have been held with the midfielder.

It was reported by Pink Un that the Tunisia international has held talks with the new manager at Carrow Road about his position in the squad.

The 24-year-old was absent for the Canaries’ final pre-season friendly last weekend, further fueling speculation he could depart this summer.

Slimane joined Norwich on a permanent basis from Sheffield United last year, and featured 33 times in the Championship in the 2024/25 campaign.

Anis Slimane exit claim

When asked if a departure would make the most sense, FLW’s Norwich fan pundit Zeke Downes claimed that the midfielder would be a good option to keep in the squad.

He was expecting Liam Gibbs to make way in the squad this summer and for Slimane to stay, suggesting it would be a shame to see the latter depart after just one year.

“This was one of the surprises,” Downes told Football League World.

“We sort of assumed it would be the case for [Shane] Duffy and either [Brad] Hills or [Ruairi] McConville, which has happened.

“But, with Slimane, I assumed he would be a good squad option because they’ve obviously got Topic in but Slimane is more of a box-to-box midfielder, more probably like Nunez.

“To have [Mirko] Topic, [Jacob] Wright, [Marcelino] Nunez, [Kenny] McLean and Slimane would’ve been a really good midfield, obviously Gibbs as well.

“I was assuming Gibbs would either leave or he would be given a loan, but it looks as though he is maybe in Manning’s plans, but Slimane isn’t.

“Although I still think he will play a role in the team because we will have injuries, that always happens, so I don’t think it’s curtains for him.

“But, it’s a bit of a shame because I actually think he’s a good player, he just got signed last season when it wasn’t going well and he sort of dropped off after his loan spell.

“I think that he actually could offer us a decent amount, and offer us something that we don’t really have.”

Norwich will face Millwall in their opening game of the new campaign on 9 August in a 3pm kick-off.

Someone has to make way at Norwich

If Norwich can get a reasonable fee for Slimane, then it makes sense that they’d look to cash in.

Manning will have plenty of options in midfield to choose from as things stand following Mirko Topic’s arrival from Familicao.

Slimane did prove a useful part of the team, but if his game is going to be limited under the new manager then a sale now would be best for all parties.

He should still have some value in the market given his Championship experience, so if they can get back what they paid for him, or maybe even slightly more, then that could be smart business.