Key Takeaways:
- Napoli have added free agent Jamie Vardy to their transfer shortlist following Romelu Lukaku’s three-month injury absence.
- Vardy, aged 38, departed Leicester City at the end of the season after recording 200 goals in 500 appearances and winning both the Premier League and FA Cup.
- Celtic, Rangers, Everton, and Napoli have all expressed interest in securing Vardy’s services in recent weeks.
Napoli Move for Vardy Amid Striker Setback
Napoli have turned their attention to Jamie Vardy in the wake of Romelu Lukaku’s long-term injury. Lukaku, 32, faces up to three months on the sidelines following a thigh muscle tear suffered against Olympiacos during a friendly last week, and may require surgery. With the Belgian forward out of contention, the Italian champions are reassessing their attacking options.
The club have reportedly evaluated other strikers, including Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez — approaches that predate Lukaku’s recent injury. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has also been identified as a candidate, but his potential cost could complicate negotiations.
Vardy’s Credentials and Recent History
Jamie Vardy, formerly of Leicester City, is attracting significant attention on the summer transfer market as a free agent. The ex-England international, now 38, concluded his illustrious tenure at Leicester with a tally of 200 goals across 500 matches, as well as Premier League and FA Cup titles. Vardy’s achievements, combined with his enduring fitness and professionalism, continue to make him a desirable acquisition for top-level sides.
Recent weeks have seen Celtic, Rangers, and Everton register their interest in the striker. Now, the possibility of joining Napoli has emerged, raising the prospect of playing under former Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte and alongside ex-Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne in Naples.
Speculation Grows Around Vardy’s Next Destination
Social media speculation intensified last month when Vardy’s wife, Rebekah, posted images from their family holiday in Portugal, including snapshots from a stopover in Italy and photos of her wearing a figure-hugging outfit. The couple were recently at their £9.7 million villa in the Algarve, vacationing with friends Harry Maguire and James Maddison.
Further intrigue surrounded a post showing three of the couple’s children wearing Inter Miami kits, accompanied by a ‘smiling face with sunglasses’ emoji. The image prompted rumours of a possible move to the MLS side, where Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Rodrigo De Paul currently play. However, a club source refuted the claim, telling Daily Mail there is “absolutely no way” that Vardy will be joining Inter Miami.
| Club | Interest Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Napoli | High | Pursuing Vardy after Lukaku injury |
| Celtic | Active | Recent enquiry |
| Rangers | Active | Recent enquiry |
| Everton | Active | Recent enquiry |
| Inter Miami | Speculative | Club source dismissed link |
Looking Ahead for Player and Clubs
With Jamie Vardy deliberating his next move following a distinguished career at Leicester City, several top clubs are closely monitoring his situation. Napoli’s urgent requirement for a striker amid Lukaku’s absence may accelerate a potential move, while ongoing interest from clubs in the United Kingdom underscores the striker’s persisting allure.
