Patrick Vieira has reportedly scuppered Jamie Vardy’s proposed switch to Serie A side Genoa, ending hopes of a surprising late-career Italian move for the former England striker.
BOLOGNA, ITALY - MAY 24: Patrick Vieira head coach of Genoa during the Serie A match between Bologna and Genoa at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on May 24, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
Football Italia report that Vardy, now 38, was on the verge of joining Genoa following his departure from Leicester City, only for Genoa’s head coach Patrick Vieira to reject the deal outright.
According to the outlet, the former Arsenal captain and World Cup winner was “not convinced” by the prospect of signing the ageing forward, despite club sponsors reportedly willing to underwrite Vardy’s salary.
Flavio Ricciardella, Genoa’s sporting director, is believed to have led the talks and was keen on concluding a deal. However, Vieira’s disapproval proved decisive, and the approach has now been shelved.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: William Saliba of Arsenal clears the ball form Jamie Vardy of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Vardy brought an end to his 13-year spell at Leicester earlier this summer after 500 appearances, 200 goals, including the 24 that fired the Foxes to an historic Premier League title in 2016, and 71 assists.
His availability sparked interest from several clubs, including Wrexham and Rangers, though no move has yet materialised. The Scottish side are currently viewed as the next most likely destination.
While Vardy’s future remains unresolved, Vieira’s decision to block the Genoa move has, for now, drawn a line under what would have been one of the more eyebrow-raising transfers of the summer window. It remains to be seen whether another opportunity will arise for the striker who has defied expectations throughout his career.
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