At 34, Raba Slimani has never had his first experience abroad. The Stade Française former right-back, who has defended the colors of Clermont since 2017, could be playing in… Ireland next season. Midi Olympique have confirmed to us this Tuesday that the 57-capped French international will not be extending his contract at Auvergne when his contract at ASM expires. Leinster are among the clubs ready to jump at the chance to secure the player's services.

According to our colleagues, Leinster – the ill-fated finalist of the last Champions Cup (returned to Toulouse) – also lost in the final in 2022 and 2023, and the Irish are already seriously advanced in negotiations. A contract offer has already been sent to the current Clermont player. Slimani, who won the title at Clermont in 2017 as France's champion (in his first year with Jaunard), and having been in Stade Francaise colors two years ago, everything points to continuing his career in Ireland and Leinster. Made the top 14 for the first time in his career outside of France.

What if Slimani crossed paths with Alalatova?

With the Irish province in need of a new right-back, a transfer is further afoot with Michael Alalatova also packing his bags this summer. And not just anywhere, the Samoans will go to … Clermont. A sort of crossover ahead of its time, perhaps in perspective, Slimani will make many teams in the Top 14 very happy, but who would ask for someone whose No. 1 recruitment priority from Leinster was apparently seduced. According to the former Paris's profile.

So, will Slimani soon join the three-time finalists, who have failed in the last three editions of the Champions Cup, to help the Irish avoid a fourth successive defeat? Case to follow, very close.