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Rangers Enter Race for Jamie Vardy as Ex-England Star Eyes Final Challenge After Leicester Exit
Rangers are weighing up a move for Jamie Vardy following the veteran striker’s departure from Leicester City, potentially setting up a transfer battle with newly-promoted Premier League clubs Leeds United and Sunderland. Vardy, who scored 292 goals across a storied career, is now a free agent after ending a 13-year spell with the Foxes that saw him become a club legend and one of the faces of their historic 2015/16 Premier League title triumph.
The 38-year-old’s departure marks the end of an era at the King Power Stadium, where he rose from non-league obscurity to net 200 goals in 500 matches, claiming the Championship title, Premier League crown, FA Cup, and featuring in European competitions along the way. Despite his age, Vardy is keen to continue playing and insists he still has the hunger to score goals and chase success.
Rangers, who are entering a significant rebuild under manager Russell Martin after several seasons of Celtic dominance, are reportedly keen to bring Vardy to Ibrox. Spanish outlet Fichajes suggests that Vardy’s experience and proven finishing ability make him a top target for the Glasgow club as they look to reclaim domestic supremacy. However, they face stiff competition from Sunderland and Leeds United two clubs that secured promotion back to the Premier League and see Vardy as a potentially vital figure in their bids for survival.
Vardy notched nine league goals last season for a Leicester side that struggled, showing he remains capable of performing at a high level. His vast experience across the divisions from Stocksbridge Park Steels to England caps adds to his appeal. He retired from international duty in 2018 after scoring seven goals in 26 appearances for the Three Lions.
Former Leicester and England striker Emile Heskey weighed in on Vardy’s next move, suggesting the striker may be seeking a less demanding league where he can still play regularly. Heskey believes top-flight English clubs may only offer a bench role, while Championship football could be too physically taxing at Vardy’s age. He suggested Rangers might strike a balance in intensity but also floated the idea of a move abroad perhaps to Major League Soccer where Vardy could enjoy regular football in a less pressured environment.
For now, Rangers are monitoring the situation closely, hoping the lure of silverware and a starring role in their resurgence will be enough to entice one of English football’s most iconic forwards north of the border.
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