Jamie Vardy could be about to swap the Premier League for the Scottish Premiership, with reports claiming the veteran striker has his “heart set” on a move to Celtic.
The 38-year-old, who enjoyed major success under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, is said to be desperate for a Parkhead switch before the transfer window closes.
A source told SunSport: “Jamie still believes he can play week in week out and has a lot to offer. He’s a model professional and is keeping himself in great condition. He’d love to move to Celtic and really has his heart set on that move. He loved playing under Brendan and thinks he could be a massive benefit to the team up there.”
The source also confirmed interest from other clubs, suggesting a late-window scramble could unfold. “Ever since it became clear Celtic were up for the deal Jamie’s been desperate to make it happen. But other clubs are keen too, so time will tell. One thing is for sure – he won’t be without a team at the end of August.”
Rodgers knows Vardy better than most. The pair worked together at Leicester, lifting the FA Cup in 2021 and competing consistently at the top end of the Premier League. The Celtic boss has been vocal about his need for attacking reinforcements this summer, and with the club’s scouting efforts yet to deliver a marquee forward, a reunion with Vardy would make sense on several levels.
The big question is whether the former England international, who turns 39 in January, can still be a reliable option at the highest level. His trademark pace has inevitably slowed, but his movement, work rate and finishing instincts remain valuable tools that could add depth and experience to Celtic’s front line.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Leicester City v Manchester United – King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain – September 1, 2022 Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers shakes hands with Jamie Vardy after he was substituted REUTERS/Craig Brough.
Sceptics will argue this may be more about generating interest for the striker in the final weeks of the window, with his camp pushing the Celtic link to stir the market. But given Rodgers’ history with the player and Celtic’s striking situation, this story carries more weight than a routine rumour.
Whether it’s a calculated late-window gamble or the manager’s preferred “end game,” the possibility of Vardy pulling on the Hoops in the coming weeks cannot be ruled out.
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