As Leicester City close in on an immediate return to the Premier League, the uncomfortable question looms large: is this the end of the fairy tale for Jamie Vardy?
He is the greatest signing in Leicester’s history, a £1 million bargain who has lifted the league title and an FA Cup, claimed a Golden Boot and smashed countless records during a glorious 12-year spell.
Now 37, Vardy has remained the undisputed ‘Goat’ this season and delivered 15 goals to put Leicester in the driving seat for automatic promotion.
Yet this could be the year when the magical story has to finish.
Vardy’s contract expires at the end of the season and, with Leicester facing an uncertain future because of financial restrictions, there are doubts over whether there will be another chapter for their star forward.
Leicester are currently under a transfer embargo from the Football League and facing sanctions next season for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.
With Leicester under pressure to raise money before June 30 to avoid further punishments next year, Vardy’s lucrative contract and his age means that ruthless decisions will have to be taken.
Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Marc Albrighton and Dennis Praet are in a similar position, and unlikely to remain at the club beyond the summer.
Vardy’s situation is clearly a very sensitive one, and Leicester will be determined to handle it with extreme care.
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