In Jamie Vardy’s reveries, he revisits his pivotal role in elevating Leicester City to Premier League and FA Cup triumphs, driving them back to the top flight with his goals. Now, as one of English football’s most eminent figures, he is poised to make a comeback from a knee injury as Leicester, leading the Championship by seven points, clashes with third-placed Ipswich Town.
After an absence of almost two months, it would be quintessentially Vardy to emerge as the standout performer and secure the victory that brings Leicester — surprisingly relegated last season — closer to an immediate return.
Nonetheless, the long-term trajectory for Vardy remains shrouded in uncertainty. The 37-year-old forward, whose contract expires at the end of the season, intends to contemplate his future more earnestly from February, once he is back in regular action.
Retirement, for the time being, is not on the horizon. Sources indicate that Vardy’s passion for the game remains unwavering, and he envisions continuing to play into his 40s.
The optimal scenario for both Vardy and Leicester entails the club regaining its Premier League status and prolonging Vardy’s tenure into a 13th season — yet this outcome is not the sole possibility.
Though Vardy and Leicester are closely intertwined, nothing endures forever. Vardy has harbored an enduring fascination with football in the United States, and there are other English clubs eager to secure his signature if Leicester opts against extending his stay.
While it might seem implausible that Vardy’s Leicester career could imminently dwindle to a mere four months, the situation is not as straightforward as it appears.
Manager Enzo Maresca has fielded Vardy regularly but has not granted him automatic selection. At the onset of the campaign, Vardy alternated with Kelechi Iheanacho, and when both were sidelined, Patson Daka and subsequently Tom Cannon rose to the occasion. Vardy now confronts the challenge of ascending the pecking order once more as he strives to augment his tally of six league goals this season.
‘Senior players like Jamie, Marc Albrighton, and Conor Coady are tremendously significant,’ emphasized Maresca. ‘Our sustained lead at the summit of the table is also attributable to them.’
He added, ‘When they play, they bolster the team on the pitch, and when they don’t, they contribute daily in training sessions, pre-match preparations, and our tactical deliberations in the dressing room. It is imperative that the senior players espouse our philosophy. In fact, this applies to the entire 25-man squad. If any of them are not aligned with our vision, they won’t remain; they’ll depart.’