What’s happening with Jamie Vardy at Leicester as season approaches

With question marks surrounding Jamie Vardy’s future at Leicester City and interest from Everton and Saudi Arabia, Enzo Maresca has made a stance on the number nine’s future.

Leicester’s frontman joined from Fleetwood Town in May 2012 for a reported fee of £1 million, becoming the most expensive signing from non-league. Vardy went on to be one of the most famous footballers around the world and played a major part in City’s stunning 2016 Premier League win. He also helped the Foxes to a Championship title in 2014 and the FA Cup in 2021.

Personally, I think Vardy will retire at Leicester. There doesn’t seem much point in him making a move away from Leicester, with just one year left on his contract. He’s not getting any younger and what better way to end his career than to stay and potentially help Leicester back into the Premier League. It would be the perfect ending to his fairy-tale story and solidify his name in Leicester City folklore.

When he appeared on ‘A League of Their Own’ in August 2021 the 36 year-old was questioned by comedian Jimmy Carr on what would tempt him away from the Midlands club. Vardy responded: “I’d stay there until the end.” The Sheffield-born striker recorded six goals, five assists and struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI (42 appearances in all competitions) as Leicester were relegated from the Premier League.

Everton’s interest in Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy

According to Football Transfers Everton have named Vardy on their list of targets, with signing a new striker is a high priority for the Toffees. They finished as the lowest goal scorers in the Premier League last season, 34 goals scored, as they narrowly escaped relegation. Kelechi Iheanacho is also on their radar.

Rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia

Last month Rob Dorsett reported that Jamie Vardy had rejected a move to Khaleej FC. Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and former Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kante have made the move to the Saudi Pro League with the attraction of the huge wages they’re able to offer. The former England striker rejected a move because it “wouldn’t suit his family.”

Enzo Maresca’s stance on Vardy’s future

"“I’ve talked with Jamie a few times already,” Maresca told Leicestershire Live. “We didn’t talk about that (the offer from Saudi Arabia). But at the moment, he is our player and we are happy if he is going to stay. This is the only thing I can say.“To be honest, I don’t think so (he needs convincing). I spoke with him a few times and he was relaxed. He did not have any worries about leaving, so I don’t think so. “He is an unbelievable player.“Hopefully he can stay with us. This is the most important thing. He’s a main player. He will be an example for all of the team-mates, so we are very happy to have him.”"