Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss (Plumb Images/Leicester City)
Leicester City have endured a season to forget.
Not only were the Foxes relegated after a dismal campaign, but the club also invested heavily in players who failed to make an impact—most notably £20 million midfielder Oliver Skipp and £13.6 million winger Issahaku Fatawu.
To make matters worse, they now head into next season without perhaps their greatest-ever player. Jamie Vardy, who played his final match for the club in a 2–0 win over fellow relegated side Ipswich Town last week, has officially called time on his Leicester career.
The 38-year-old found the net in that farewell appearance, taking his tally to a remarkable 200 goals in 500 games—a legendary run that famously included leading the club to their historic Premier League title in 2015/16.
Announcing his decision earlier this year, Vardy said: “Leicester City has been my second home and my extended family and my life for 13 years. The club, the city, the people mean so much to me and my family. It’s a place that has shaped the lives of our kids who have been so lucky to call Leicester home for so long. But for me the time has come to say goodbye.”
However, the departure doesn’t mean retirement.
“I want to keep playing and doing what I enjoy most: Scoring goals,” Vardy added. “Hopefully there are a few more for Leicester between now and the end of the season and many more in the future. I might be 38 but I still have the desire and ambition to achieve so much more.”
Valencia Want Vardy
A number of clubs have reportedly expressed interest in signing Vardy, including newly promoted Wrexham, Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, and several MLS teams.
Now, Spanish giants Valencia have emerged as surprise contenders for the veteran forward, who has been described as “top-class” by Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
According to The Sun, Vardy is a top target for Valencia boss Carlos Corberán, who is keen to bring him to the Mestalla this summer. The former West Brom manager believes Vardy’s experience and finishing ability could still thrive in La Liga, particularly within his high-tempo, counter-attacking system.
While Vardy has expressed a desire to remain in the Premier League, he’s also open to a lifestyle change—something Corberán is hoping to capitalise on as he looks to convince the striker to try his luck in Spanish football before retiring.
Corberán has worked wonders since taking charge of Valencia on Christmas Eve. At the time, the club was joint-bottom of the table with just 12 points. Now, with one game to go, they sit 12th and remain in contention for a top-half finish.
Wherever he ends up, Jamie Vardy’s next move promises to be one of the most intriguing stories of the summer.
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