Leicester City faces a pivotal dilemma as they contemplate whether to extend Jamie Vardy’s contract, as they weigh his exceptional goal-scoring prowess against his advancing age.

With Vardy’s current deal set to expire this summer, the club has yet to initiate formal discussions about an extension. This uncertainty raises the possibility that the iconic number nine might be approaching the twilight of his career at the King Power Stadium after a remarkable 12-year tenure.

In anticipation of this potential scenario, Leicester supporters are gearing up to pay tribute to Vardy during the last game of the season against Blackburn. This gesture will acknowledge his decade-long contributions and goal-scoring heroics, expressing gratitude in case it marks his final appearance on the pitch for the club.

While Vardy’s future remains uncertain, Leicester City is preparing to engage in contract discussions with all their out-of-contract players after securing their place in the next season’s division. Apart from Vardy, the futures of key players like Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Marc Albrighton, Jannik Vestergaard, and Dennis Praet hang in the balance as their contracts expire at the end of June.

Manager Enzo Maresca has emphasized that Vardy’s goal-scoring ability and age will be pivotal factors in the decision-making process. Despite turning 38 in January, Vardy has been the club’s top scorer this season, netting 18 goals across all competitions and showcasing his enduring quality, with only Josh Sargent of Norwich eclipsing his goal-scoring efficiency in the Championship.

Maresca commented, “Jamie’s goal-scoring prowess speaks for itself, although his age is a factor to consider. While he may require recovery time between matches, his knack for finding the back of the net remains undiminished. We all appreciate Jamie’s contributions, but the final decision on his future will be made after the season concludes.”

As Leicester’s fourth-highest appearance-maker with 462 games and third-highest goal-scorer with 188 goals, Vardy’s legacy at the club is firmly entrenched. The impending contract negotiations will not only shape Vardy’s future but also the club’s direction as they look to balance experience with youth in the seasons ahead.