As Jamie Vardy’s time at Leicester comes to an end, Gary Lineker has given his verdict on where the striker will move next following links to Hollywood-owned Wrexham
Gary Lineker has has made his views clear on Jamie Vardy‘s next career move following links to Hollywood-owned Wrexham. The veteran striker has said he will be leaving Leicester City this summer after 13 seasons with the club.
Vardy lifted the Premier League title with the Foxes during the 2015/16 campaign, as well as the FA Cup in 2021. The 38-year-old has scored 198 goals in 497 appearances at Leicester and has been described by the club as “our greatest-ever player”.
His decision to leave was announced shortly after the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League was confirmed. Speculation over his next destination has been rife after he said he would not be retiring.
Wrexham, owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have been strongly linked with Vardy after they sealed promotion to the Championship at the weekend. However, Lineker believes a stint playing in the MLS is more likely after his future was discussed on the Rest is Football podcast.
The Match of the Day host issued strong praise for Vardy after thanking him for his “brilliant” contribution to his beloved Leicester. Despite describing him as “a bit of a s*** house at times”, Lineker said he would always be a hero to fans of the club and wished him luck in his next move.
Alan Shearer then chimed in with more plaudits for Vardy as the Newcastle United legend said: “What a story and good luck to him with whatever he does, whether he chooses to go out and play in the sunshine or wherever. He deserves whatever he chooses next.”
At this point, Micah Richards interjected with a grin on his face as he said: “I’m hearing Wrexham guys. He wants to go to Wrexham.” Shearer then quipped: “ There might not be much sunshine there” before Lineker added: “I can see him in the MLS.”
Lineker is the latest in a long line of pundits to give their verdict on Vardy’s future. Gary Neville initially backed him to stay at Leicester before news of his departure was revealed.
Speaking on ‘The Gary Neville Podcast‘, the former Manchester United defender said: “I think [he should] stay at Leicester if he can. Why not? Do they not need a Jamie Vardy in the Championship and do you not think he would cause problems? They’re going to have a lot more of the ball and they’re going to dominate a lot more of the games.”
A switch to Wrexham has been touted as a possibility by several figures, including ex-Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp. He said Vardy would be the perfect player for the next chapter in the Welsh side’s fairytale story.
“Jamie Vardy would be a fantastic signing for Wrexham,” Redknapp told Bet Victor. “He could get any team promoted next season from the Championship, I still think he has a lot to offer in a team that can make chances for him. It would be a great move for Wrexham.”
However, Sky Sports reports that Vardy does not want to join a Championship team, believing he still has plenty to offer in the Premier League. The forward has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 32 games for Leicester this term.
Former Wrexham and United goalkeeper Ben Foster is another person who has played down the likelihood of him joining the Red Dragons. The ex-England international believes there are plenty of Premier League teams who would be willing to sign Vardy.
“I think Jamie Vardy genuinely, and I do mean this, could sign for probably 15 Premier League teams,” Foster said on his ‘Fozcast‘ podcast. “It’s very similar to the Liam Delap scenario where he is not going to be the main man for anybody and he’s not going to play 32 games.
“Can you imagine how much Newcastle fans would love a Jamie Vardy ratting around? The Championship is not happening. [Wrexham] is still not happening. Abroad? He could go to America…or there’s 15 Premier League teams you can sign for, Jamie. Perfect.”
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