Exclusive: Jamie Vardy Backed for New Leicester City Deal Amid Potential EFL Return

Foxes legend Jamie Vardy extended his contract by a year before Leicester City’s return to the Premier League last season.

However, with the club now facing an imminent relegation to the Championship, the striker’s future remains uncertain.

Former footballer David Prutton believes that given everything Vardy has contributed to the club, the decision regarding his future should rest entirely with him, despite the fact that he will turn 38 in January.

David Prutton: Jamie Vardy’s Future at Leicester Should Be His Decision

Vardy is currently in his 13th season with Leicester City, having initially made history as the first non-league player to be transferred for £1 million when he joined from Fleetwood Town.

Despite Leicester’s struggles in the Premier League this season, Vardy has continued to contribute with goals.

Whether he will be offered a new contract remains to be seen.

Throughout his time at the King Power Stadium, Vardy has worn the captain’s armband on multiple occasions and remains an iconic figure.

His list of achievements includes two Championship promotions, an FA Cup, and, most notably, a Premier League title.

Given his contributions, Prutton expressed that Vardy should have the final say on whether he continues playing next season.

Prutton also suggested that if Vardy decides to hang up his boots, Leicester should consider keeping him at the club in a different capacity.

He proposed that the 26-time England international could transition into a coaching role or even serve as a club ambassador.

When asked whether Leicester should extend Vardy’s contract, Prutton exclusively told Football League World:

“Should Jamie Vardy be given a new deal? Well, I think it’s fair to say he’s one of Leicester’s modern-day greats. What he has achieved with the club is nothing short of remarkable.

“He climbed through the divisions from outside the Football League to reach the heights he has. Winning the Premier League and FA Cup—his list of accomplishments is incredible.

“Speaking as a former player who understands the journey through the divisions, I can say he’s been an absolute phenomenon.

“I’m sure he still has plenty to offer. Whether that involves coaching, I’m not sure.

“Given how successful he has been, I would imagine he is in a position where he can make his next career move on his terms rather than out of financial necessity.

“But I think he would make an excellent ambassador for Leicester City, a club that now has a global presence.”

Prutton Backs Vardy to Excel in the Championship If Leicester Are Relegated

Although Prutton floated the idea of an ambassadorial role for Vardy, he also believes the veteran forward still has the ability to torment Championship defenders next season—should Leicester fail to retain their Premier League status.

Last season, Vardy netted 18 goals in 35 Championship appearances, playing a key role in Leicester’s title-winning campaign.

Even though he will turn 39 midway through next season, Prutton argued that the striker still possesses the physical attributes required to play effectively in the Championship.

He continued: “If Leicester do drop back to the Championship, perhaps Vardy’s drive and determination could help push them back up.

“He could be used more sparingly from the bench, but he remains a player whose attributes might be even more effective at that level.

“The pace he still possesses, his relentless work rate, and his ability to press the opposition could be key assets, especially if he is surrounded by younger, more energetic teammates.

“Ultimately, I believe Vardy has reached a point in his career where he should be in control of his own destiny at Leicester.

Given everything he has done for the club, he deserves that right.

“He has played a crucial role in transforming Leicester City in recent years, hasn’t he?”