The King Power Club has seen some startling highs and shocking lows in the last decade of the club. Jumping between competitions, winning the Premier League, staving off relegations, challenging for European places, winning the FA Cup, and winning the Championship at the first time of asking. Jamie Vardy was there for it. Leicester City has a lot to thank their legend for.
However, regardless of how great the £1m story is, this chapter in his career comes to an end at the finale of this disappointing campaign. As such, the striker has opened himself up for a free transfer to myriad clubs looking for the experience, the name, and the style offered by Vardy. For Leicester, it means looking to a future with new names.
Leicester City legend’s destinations revealed
The Foxes will be watching the next destination for Vardy with great interest. There were several rumours which pointed towards the American MLS, Saudi Pro League, and several Championship clubs. Of course, none will be the case for Vardy.
Firstly, the 38-year-old forward believes he should remain in the Premier League. This is likely as he wishes to get more goals in and finish his career off with a triumphant position in the all-time goalscoring records. It is also fair to say he can offer a club a certain brand of football and formerly clinical boots to net some chances.
This therefore means only a handful of clubs would likely be interested in bringing Vardy in. After the King Power, many major clubs already have accomplished forwards and plenty of depth in both their youth squads and senior team. Lower in the table though, there is space for an experienced talent. I likely think we should look towards the promoted sides Burnley and Leeds United.
With Burnley, they have a youthful side which has been massively reformed from the old days of surviving relegation fights under Sean Dyche, and now seem a more progressive though defensively less resilient team. Nevertheless, a passionate leader with the experience to guide youngsters and the name to carry weight in the dressing room could be just what they need. I feel Burnley will fight for him.
However, Simon Grayson - a former Leicester, Leeds, and Aston Villa player - believes Vardy would make his home best at Leeds United. With Patrick Bamford looking more and more likely to leave, zero competition upfront for Joel Piroe, and their aggressive style of football, the Leicester City man could be a great fit at Elland Road.
Additionally, for any club looking to stave off relegation, Jamie Vardy offers that leadership, that hunger to go out and play, and the chances to score goals which many younger players simply lack. The Foxes’ chronicled player would be at home with Leeds, but it would sting a little seeing him give up LE for LS.
With the most experienced players slowly leaving Leicester City, the King Power Club will need to rely on their youth ranks to fill in gaps, build for the future, and forge a more sustainable player recruitment/development infrastructure. That has to be done without Jon Rudkin, and the loss of Vardy - and his wages - will need to be the spark to get on with it. Without drastic changes, more legends will come and go.