Jamie Vardy's future takes surprise twist after being tipped to join Celtic
Jamie Vardy has been tipped to move north of the border and join one of the Scottish Premiership’s two heavyweight sides.
The former England international called time on his 13-year spell at the King Power Stadium at the end of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
It was a forgettable season for the Foxes, who struggled under both Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy, ultimately dropping straight back into the Championship at the first time of asking.
Vardy netted in his final game for the Foxes, his 200th goal on his 500th appearance for the club no less, scoring the opener in the 2-0 win over Ipswich before leaving the pitch in the 80th minute to a standing ovation as he trudged off the King Power Stadium turf for final time.
Vardy is yet to find a new club following Leicester exit
However, Vardy has been without a club since he departed Leicester earlier in the year and despite reports linking the experienced hitman with a move to Wrexham or MLS, the 38-year-old is on the look out for his next venture.
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Reports now suggest that Celtic are in the drivers’ seat to secure Vardy’s services, a move that would see the striker link back up with Brendan Rodgers.
The pair worked together at Leicester, with Vardy influential in Leicester’s FA Cup and Community Shield triumph in 2021.
And he’s been backed to succeed at Celtic Park by a former Premier League goalkeeper should he make the move to the Scottish champions.
“He’s been an incredible player for Leicester City,” former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn told Record Sport. "He’ll want to keep going as long as he can. He comes across as the sort of player who looks like he loves doing what he’s doing.
“If you can find a former manager who enjoys working with you, like Brendan Rodgers in this case, then there’s nothing better for a player.
“I have no doubt that Jamie Vardy will be a threat to anyone up in Scotland if he joins Celtic. He can start games one week and play up to 60 minutes, and the next week he could come off the bench and make an impact.
“As a centre-half, the last thing you want to see after playing 70 minutes is somebody like Jamie Vardy and his pace come on to the pitch.”
However, Celtic wouldn’t be the only Glasgow side in for Vardy should he be open to a move to Scotland.
Rivals Rangers may well be in the market for another striker before long as they consider bids for Hamza Igamane.
Rangers may rival Celtic for 38-year-old hitman
French side Rennes are reportedly weighing up a £15m bid for Igamane, who has also attracted interest from Everton, West Ham, Brentford, Marseille and Strasbourg.
Should Rangers sanction the 22-year-old’s departure, then the Gers would be looking to add another frontman to ease the burden on Cyriel Dessers.
Dessers was forced off in the second half of Rangers’ 2-1 Champions League playoff defeat to Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday night, but head coach Russell Martin has moved to allay fears he could be out for a sustained period.
“Cyriel's is not as bad as everyone feared so tomorrow will be too early but we're really hopeful he can be involved on Tuesday,” said Martin.
“Everyone feared the worst, the way he went off but it was a small issue but as nowhere near as it could've been. Bit stiff and a bit sore still but everyone will work really hard to make sure he's given every chance to be fit for Tuesday.”
Rangers face Club Brugge in the next Champions League playoff having beaten Viktoria Plzen 4-2 on aggregate.
Topics: Jamie Vardy, Celtic, Rangers, Scottish Premiership, Transfer News, Football, Brendan Rodgers
Ben McAleer