Jamie Vardy leaving Leicester needed to happen. There was some hope of the longtime City player sticking around, maybe helping the Foxes earn one more Premier League promotion. Unfortunately for those who were clinging to this hope, the striker has decided otherwise.
While not a surprise, the exact timing may cause something of a shock to the system for some. Early Thursday morning, the 38-year-old announced to the world that we would be departing the East Midlands side. The club that gave him a chance when no one else would will now need to move on from a walking King Power Stadium legend.
He will likely have zero issues in finding a new home. After all, even amidst a disastrous campaign, he still showed that he has the ability to threaten the goal. With the now-assured relegation and a lot of uncertainty at City, it makes sense for both parties to move forward in different directions.
This is a case of the club and player being at entirely different points. Vardy needs to be in a good situation. More importantly, he needs to be at a side that can provide service to him more often. LCFC, on the other hand, are in a rebuild. Dragging the veteran through another Championship fight with so much uncertainty does everyone a disservice. Maybe if there were currently more stability within the organization, then it would make sense to try to persuade him otherwise. As is known, that is far from the case.
Just on name brand alone, Vardy will likely have a number of suitors. Approaching 40, he still appears to have that ability to punish back lines, and his drive alone could benefit a team that is looking to achieve its own goals. As the 2024-2025 season comes to an end, it's the worst possible situation for a player who deserves more at this moment in time.
Vardy will always be seen as a Leicester player first
City provided the opportunity, and he has paid Leicester back tenfold since then. They achieved greatness together and achieved milestones that few would have believed were possible before they happened. Looking back on those years will be for some point in the future.
For Vardy, the present is about getting the most out of his playing days while he still has the ability to produce at a first division level. This could mean a move to, say, the Bundesliga or Serie A. When retirement does come, his days with the Foxes will be most remembered. His legacy will be that of a City player.