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Is Jamie Vardy is considering a move to Saudi Arabia?

 Is Jamie Vardy is considering a move to Saudi Arabia?
Published 5 months ago on Oct 11, 2024

Is Jamie Vardy Eyeing a Move to Saudi Arabia? Leicester City Star and Wife Rebekah Spark Rumors with Middle East Visit Amid £1.8 Million Court Drama.

Jamie Vardy and his wife, Rebekah Vardy, have fueled speculation that the Leicester City striker may be considering a move to Saudi Arabia after the couple’s recent visit to the Middle East. The Vardys, who were on holiday in Dubai, made a stop at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain, a hotspot for WAGs of Saudi Pro League players. This trip comes amidst Rebekah's ongoing legal battles with Coleen Rooney, which have racked up significant costs.

The timing of the trip has raised eyebrows, especially with Jamie Vardy’s football future up in the air. Although the 37-year-old striker signed a one-year contract extension with Leicester City in 2023, which keeps him at the newly-promoted Premier League club until the end of this season, he will be a free agent thereafter. Given the lucrative offers from Saudi clubs in the past, there is growing speculation that Vardy might be reconsidering a move to the Gulf.

In June 2023, Vardy reportedly turned down an offer from Saudi club Al-Khaleej FC, as well as other potential deals. However, with his wife’s ongoing legal costs from the infamous ‘Wagatha Christie’ libel trial against Coleen Rooney – in which Rebekah Vardy was ordered to pay 90 percent of Coleen’s £1.8 million legal fees – a lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia could provide financial relief.

Rebekah Vardy’s Legal Struggles and Their Impact

Rebekah, 42, recently lost another round in her legal battle with Coleen Rooney. On Tuesday, a High Court judge ruled against her request to reduce her share of the legal costs she must pay after losing the high-profile libel case in July 2022. This legal battle stemmed from Rebekah suing Coleen for defamation after Rooney publicly accused her of leaking private social media stories to the press, which was later ruled to be "substantially true."

Despite the ongoing legal stress, Rebekah has been sharing photos of their Bahrain getaway on Instagram, showing the couple enjoying a "kid-free zone." A source close to the couple, however, revealed that their visit wasn’t just for leisure. The Vardys reportedly made a private detour to Saudi Arabia, which reignited speculation that Jamie may be contemplating a move to a Saudi Pro League team.

Why Bahrain? A Popular Spot for WAGs and Players

Many foreign players in Saudi Arabia, including English footballers like Jordan Henderson and Ivan Toney, have chosen to live in neighboring Bahrain due to its more relaxed lifestyle. Bahrain offers a more liberal environment compared to Saudi Arabia, where strict dress codes for women are less enforced, and alcohol is legally available. Steven Gerrard, manager of Al-Ettifaq FC, also lives in Bahrain, and his children attend a British school there.

Given the proximity of Bahrain to Saudi Arabia – just a 40-minute drive from Dammam, home to Gerrard’s club – many believe the Vardys’ trip may have been a scouting mission for a potential future move. While no official reports confirm negotiations with a Saudi club, Jamie Vardy’s visit suggests he may be weighing his options.

Vardy’s Stellar Career and Financial Position

Despite being 37, Jamie Vardy continues to perform at a high level. This season, he has already scored two goals for Leicester City, bringing his total to 190 career goals with the club. His contract extension with Leicester City is worth £5.3 million for the year, and his net worth is estimated at £9 million. Vardy’s luxurious lifestyle includes a Bentley Continental and a mansion in Lincolnshire.

While Vardy has shown no signs of slowing down on the pitch, his football future remains uncertain after his contract with Leicester expires. A move to Saudi Arabia, where players are often offered lucrative contracts, could be an attractive option, particularly as the Vardys deal with Rebekah’s mounting legal expenses.

The Vardys' Response to Rumors

Sources close to Rebekah Vardy downplayed the rumors, insisting that the couple is simply on holiday during the international break. However, given the history of Saudi clubs showing interest in Vardy and the couple’s recent detour to the region, it’s hard to ignore the possibility of a future move.

For now, Jamie Vardy remains focused on his season with Leicester City. Whether or not a move to Saudi Arabia is on the horizon remains to be seen, but the Vardys’ recent trip has certainly sparked fresh speculation about what lies ahead for the football star.

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