Gary Lineker and Micah Richards Trade Opinions on Jamie Vardy’s Likely Next Move Amidst Wrexham Speculation
Veteran footballer Jamie Vardy has confirmed he will be leaving Leicester City at the end of the season, drawing an illustrious 13-year spell at the club to a close and prompting widespread speculation about his future in the game. With 198 goals in 497 appearances and having been pivotal to Leicester’s Premier League title triumph in 2015/16 and their FA Cup victory in 2021, Vardy leaves behind a deep legacy, hailed by the club as “our greatest-ever player”.
The 38-year-old striker’s announcement follows Leicester City’s recent relegation from the Premier League, but Vardy was quick to assure fans and pundits alike that retirement isn’t yet on the cards. This, naturally, has led to a flurry of discussion about his next destination, with one potential option causing particular intrigue: Wrexham AFC. Owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham have attracted global attention following back-to-back promotions and the popularity of their “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary.
In the latest episode of ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, Gary Lineker, himself a former Leicester striker and now an established football pundit, voiced his own perspective on the debate. Although he paid high tribute to Vardy’s “brilliant” contribution at Leicester, Lineker cast some doubt on the possibility of Vardy turning out for Wrexham. Instead, he predicted a move across the Atlantic, stating, “I can see him in the MLS,” referring to the increasingly popular American league.
The podcast featured further input from fellow pundits. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer was full of praise for Vardy’s career. “What a story and good luck to him with whatever he does, whether he chooses to go out and play in the sunshine or wherever. He deserves whatever he chooses next,” Shearer said, emphasising the striker’s wealth of options.
However, Micah Richards, with a grin, made it clear he believes the Wrexham rumours are not entirely unfounded: “I’m hearing Wrexham, guys. He wants to go to Wrexham.” Shearer, ever the wit, quipped back, “There might not be much sunshine there,” before Lineker reiterated his sense that MLS might prove more appealing for Vardy at this stage of his career.
The flurry of speculation around Vardy’s next move has attracted input from a variety of football insiders. Former Manchester United full-back and seasoned commentator, Gary Neville, previously suggested on his own podcast that remaining at Leicester—even in the Championship—could make sense given Vardy’s experience and ongoing goal threat. “Do they not need a Jamie Vardy in the Championship, and do you not think he would cause problems? They’re going to have a lot more of the ball and they’re going to dominate a lot more games,” Neville said.
Meanwhile, some have publicly pushed the Wrexham angle. Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp described Vardy as an ideal fit for the North Wales club’s ambitions. “He could get any team promoted next season from the Championship, I still think he has a lot to offer in a team that can make chances for him. It would be a great move for Wrexham,” Redknapp argued in a recent interview with Bet Victor.
Despite this clamour, there are counterpoints to consider. According to Sky Sports, Vardy may not be keen on another Championship challenge, instead feeling he still has more to contribute at Premier League level. His tally of seven goals and three assists in 32 appearances this season hints there may indeed be interest from clubs in England’s top flight.
Wrexham’s growth on and off the pitch, fuelled by Hollywood investment and the global reach of their documentary series, brings a new level of glamour to these transfer rumours, making them far from outlandish. Thousands of supporters, both local and international, now follow the club’s every move, adding more intrigue to the speculation around transfers like Vardy’s.
Ex-Wrexham and England keeper Ben Foster is another sceptic regarding the Vardy-to-Wrexham narrative. “I think Jamie Vardy could sign for probably 15 Premier League teams,” Foster commented on his own ‘Fozcast’ podcast. “He’s not going to be the main man for anybody, but he’s not going to play 32 games either. Can you imagine how much Newcastle fans would love a Jamie Vardy ratting around? The Championship’s not happening. [Wrexham] is still not happening. Abroad? He could go to America… or there’s 15 Premier League teams you can sign for, Jamie. Perfect.”
For now, neither Wrexham nor Vardy has made any official statement, but the mixture of playful banter and genuine analysis from the football community ensures that the striker’s next steps will be eagerly awaited. Whether Vardy opts for the Hollywood project in North Wales, a new challenge in the MLS, or another season at Premier League level, his next move promises to be one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window.
As anticipation builds, all eyes remain on Vardy and the clubs vying for his signature, with Wrexham sitting among the most intriguing—if still unlikely—of destinations. The coming months will reveal whether the fairytale continues in North Wales, across the Atlantic, or on yet another Premier League stage.