Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy is poised to become a free agent this summer, as things currently stand.
The Foxes secured Jamie Vardy from Fleetwood Town in 2012 for £1 million, a deal that has since been hailed as one of the signings of the century. Vardy first experienced success at the King Power Stadium during the 2013/14 season when Leicester City earned promotion from the Championship.
A relegation battle followed in 2014/15, but the striker and his teammates stunned the world by clinching the Premier League title the following season. Since then, Vardy has added the FA Cup, Community Shield, and another Championship promotion to his list of achievements.
In total, Vardy has scored an impressive 198 goals for Leicester across all competitions, along with providing 69 assists. However, speculation about the 38-year-old’s future has emerged due to his contract situation.
What Jamie Vardy has said about his future as Manchester United speculation arises:
Amid Leicester’s financial struggles, reports this week suggested that Vardy could be a potential target for Manchester United in the summer. The Englishman is in the final months of his Leicester contract and will become a free agent at the end of June.
Manchester United fans reacted to the rumors, and despite Vardy’s age, many seemed open to the idea of his arrival. Leicester supporters, however, were likely less enthusiastic about the prospect of losing a club legend. Regardless of what happens, it appears Vardy is determined to continue playing, even as he approaches his 39th birthday next year.
Speaking late in 2024, as reported by Leicestershire Live, the striker expressed his desire to delay retirement, suggesting it won’t happen anytime soon.
He said: “I wish I couldn’t retire. Unfortunately, it will happen one day. Just not yet.”
How Jamie Vardy compares to Manchester United strikers in the Premier League:
The idea of a club like Manchester United signing a player who, at most, seems to have one or two years left in his career might seem unusual. However, if reports of their financial difficulties are accurate, it’s understandable why the Red Devils might explore the free-agent market to bolster their attacking options.
Significant sums were spent on both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, but neither forward has met expectations this season.
| Stats | Jamie Vardy | Rasmus Hojlund | Joshua Zirkzee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 22 | 19 | 24 |
| Goals | 7 | 2 | 3 |
| Assists | 3 | 0 | 1 |
Regardless of what unfolds in the final months of this season, it’s evident that Leicester should consider offering their club icon a new contract.
