Jamie Vardy has no plans to join Wrexham or any other Championship club this summer, with the Leicester City legend determined to continue playing at the highest level despite nearing his 39th birthday.
Vardy Bids Farewell to Leicester City
The 38-year-old will leave Leicester at the end of the season after a remarkable 13-year spell which saw him lift the Premier League title, FA Cup and the Golden Boot. Vardy, who joined the Foxes from Fleetwood Town for £1million in 2012, is regarded as one of the club’s all-time greats, having scored 143 Premier League goals.
Following Leicester’s relegation to the Championship under Ruud van Nistelrooy, speculation had linked Vardy with a move to Wrexham — co-owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney — as well as to his boyhood club, Sheffield Wednesday.
However, reports suggest that Vardy has ruled out a move to the second tier, believing he still can compete either in the Premier League or in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Vardy has been free to negotiate with overseas clubs for the past six months but will only be able to speak to English teams once his Leicester contract expires in June. Despite Leicester’s struggles this season, he still managed to score 20 goals across all competitions last term, helping them to promotion from the Championship before their ill-fated Premier League campaign.
Wrexham, who confirmed their promotion to the Championship with a win over Charlton Athletic, had been linked with both Vardy and Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne. However, the financial realities surrounding top-level wages and Vardy’s ambitions mean a move to North Wales appears highly unlikely.
Phil Parkinson’s side are expected to explore free transfer options this summer, but a marquee signing such as Vardy seems out of reach. Meanwhile, De Bruyne’s reported £400,000-a-week salary at Manchester City puts him firmly beyond Wrexham’s grasp, even with their Hollywood backing.
Writer’s View
Jamie Vardy’s desire to keep playing at the highest level underlines the elite mentality that defined his career. While a romantic move to Wrexham would have thrilled supporters and media alike, his ambitions remain firmly set on top-flight football. Any club securing his signature this summer will not just get a marquee name but a player still fiercely determined to compete at the very highest standard.
