Jamie Vardy, the veteran striker, has signed a new one-year contract with Leicester City, extending his stay with the club beyond his 38th birthday. Vardy, who played a pivotal role in Leicester’s Championship-winning campaign last season, scoring 20 goals, now has another opportunity to showcase his talent in the Premier League.
The contract agreement comes after initial discussions between Vardy and the Foxes, as reported by Mail Sport in April. Vardy’s journey with Leicester is one of the most remarkable tales in modern football. Having started his career in non-league football, he joined Leicester from Fleetwood Town and went on to become one of England’s top strikers, winning the Premier League Golden Boot in 2020 and representing England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
Vardy’s achievements with Leicester include lifting the FA Cup in 2021, becoming the first player to have competed in every round of the competition. However, the club is currently facing possible Premier League sanctions for breaching spending rules, and they may need to sell players to comply with profitability and sustainability regulations. Leicester announced significant losses in April, and while the departure of high-earning players will help, the sale of homegrown talent Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has attracted interest from Brighton, may be necessary to meet PSR rules.
Vardy was instrumental in Leicester’s remarkable Premier League title win during the 2015-16 season.
Vardy’s new deal is subject to Premier League approval, and it remains to be seen if Leicester can retain their key players while navigating the financial challenges ahead. Nonetheless, Vardy’s contract extension is a testament to his enduring quality and impact on the pitch, ensuring that he will continue to be a pivotal figure for the Foxes as they return to the top flight of English football.