Godwin ObajeCeltic’s Striker Search: Could Jamie Vardy Be the Next Big Name in Glasgow?
As the summer transfer window draws nearer, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is already busy formulating his plans for strengthening the squad. One area in particular that the Hoops boss is focused on is the attack, with a new striker a top priority following the departure of key player Kyogo Furuhashi to Ligue 1 side Rennes. The Japanese forward, who had been a talisman for Celtic, was a constant source of goals and creativity, and his departure has left a sizeable gap in the squad.
While Daizen Maeda has stepped up admirably this season to become Celtic’s primary goal-scoring threat, Rodgers is keen to add another forward to his ranks, believing that an additional striker could help propel Celtic to new heights in both domestic and European competitions.
In the midst of this striker search, former Celtic star Chris Sutton has made an intriguing suggestion that has caught the attention of journalists and fans alike – the possibility of signing Premier League-winning striker Jamie Vardy.
The Search for a Striker: Brendan Rodgers’ Transfer Mission
Brendan Rodgers, who made a successful return to Celtic last summer, has long been known for his tactical acumen and the ability to get the best out of his players. Under his previous tenure at Celtic, Rodgers led the club to several domestic titles and established a highly effective attacking system that was built around high pressing and fast counter-attacks.
Now, after losing Furuhashi, Rodgers faces the challenge of finding a striker capable of fitting into his high-octane playing style while also bringing a clinical edge in front of goal. Despite the rise of Maeda, whose tireless running and work ethic have made him one of the standout performers this season, Rodgers is aware of the importance of having a well-rounded attacking force.
While Maeda’s adaptability and pace have been invaluable, Celtic’s attack needs a player who can both score and create in key moments – someone who can bring experience, leadership, and a proven record at the highest levels of football.
The question remains: who could that player be? As the transfer window approaches, Rodgers is expected to target proven strikers from across Europe, but one name that has emerged recently is Jamie Vardy. And it was Chris Sutton, a former Celtic striker himself, who raised the idea.
Sutton Suggests Jamie Vardy as a Potential Celtic Target
In a recent broadcast, Sutton, who has consistently been a prominent voice in football punditry, raised the prospect of Jamie Vardy making a move north of the border to Celtic. The Leicester City forward, who is set to leave the Foxes at the end of the current season, has been one of the Premier League’s most prolific and consistent strikers over the past decade.
Vardy, now 38, has been a mainstay at Leicester for several years, enjoying immense success under Rodgers’ management. His goalscoring exploits helped Leicester City secure a Premier League title in 2016, and he has since added an FA Cup and Community Shield to his collection. However, with Leicester’s relegation to the Championship confirmed for the upcoming season, Vardy’s future at the club has been uncertain, and it’s expected that he will leave on a free transfer.
Sutton’s suggestion that Vardy could be a good fit for Celtic immediately piqued the interest of journalist Ian Ladyman, who was quick to envision the prospect of the England striker in the green and white hoops.
During a discussion on It’s All Kicking Off, Ladyman enthusiastically endorsed the idea. “He’s already said, and the brief from Vardy’s camp is that he doesn’t want to play in the Championship,” Ladyman explained. “So, you know, your options are pretty narrow there then, aren’t they?”
The thought of Vardy, still capable of performing at the highest level, playing in the Old Firm derby was enough to excite Ladyman, who added, “Imagine Jamie Vardy in the Old Firm. That would be something.”
Sutton, echoing Ladyman’s excitement, responded with a simple, “Exactly.”
The idea of Vardy in the Scottish Premiership – particularly at Celtic – generated significant buzz. With Vardy’s goal-scoring record and his extensive Premier League experience, the prospect of him joining the Hoops seems increasingly appealing.
Vardy’s Stellar Record Under Brendan Rodgers
For those wondering if Vardy would be a good fit for Celtic, a quick look at his record under Brendan Rodgers during their time at Leicester City provides some insight. Vardy was one of Rodgers’ key players during his tenure at Leicester, and their partnership yielded great results.
From 2019 to 2023, Vardy enjoyed some of his most productive seasons under Rodgers’ guidance. In the 2019/2020 season, Vardy scored 23 goals and assisted 7 in the Premier League, securing the coveted Golden Boot. His form continued into the following seasons, with consistent goal tallies and contributions to Leicester’s European ambitions.
Here is a breakdown of Vardy’s performance under Rodgers at Leicester:
2019/2020: 23 goals, 7 assists
2020/2021: 21 goals, 10 assists
2021/2022: 26 goals, 5 assists
2022/2023: 20 goals, 2 assists
During this time, Vardy played a crucial role in Leicester’s rise under Rodgers, helping the club win the FA Cup in 2021 and the Community Shield in 2021. Additionally, Vardy’s goals were integral to Leicester securing European qualification on multiple occasions.
Vardy’s clinical finishing, coupled with his pace and work ethic, fit Rodgers’ high-pressing system perfectly. For Rodgers, it’s no surprise that Vardy thrived in his system, as the striker is well-known for his ability to exploit space behind defensive lines, a feature of Rodgers’ tactical setup at both Leicester and Celtic.
Could Celtic Pursue Vardy?
The idea of bringing a player of Vardy’s calibre to Celtic is undoubtedly an exciting one. However, the prospect raises several questions about whether the veteran striker would be a suitable addition for Celtic at this stage in his career. While Vardy may still have the ability to offer something in the short term, particularly as a squad player and “super sub,” one has to consider his age, physical condition, and the wages he would likely command.
Celtic, while a financially strong club in Scottish football, would face challenges in meeting Vardy’s wage demands, particularly as he has been one of Leicester’s highest earners for several years. Moreover, with Vardy’s playing time potentially limited as he approaches the twilight of his career, it would be important for Rodgers to weigh the benefits of such a signing against the need to plan for the future.
For Celtic, signing Vardy could serve as a short-term boost, particularly in crucial matches where his experience and ability to find the back of the net could be invaluable. His presence could also add a new dimension to the attack, offering a seasoned option to complement the youthful energy of Maeda.
That said, Rodgers may be more inclined to seek a younger forward who can lead the line for years to come, especially with Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure. In this regard, Vardy could serve as a useful temporary measure while the club searches for a longer-term solution.
The Old Firm Derby: A New Chapter?
Should Celtic pursue Vardy and successfully bring him to Glasgow, the prospect of seeing him line up in an Old Firm derby would be an intriguing storyline. The fierce rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most heated in world football, and Vardy’s fearless nature and track record in big matches would make him an exciting figure in the fixture.
His competitive spirit and knack for scoring important goals would surely add another layer of excitement to a fixture that is already one of the most anticipated in European football. Vardy’s leadership and experience in high-pressure matches would provide Celtic with a valuable asset in one of the most challenging environments in the sport.
Conclusion: Is Jamie Vardy Right for Celtic?
While the prospect of Jamie Vardy joining Celtic would undoubtedly capture the imagination of fans, the decision to bring the Leicester legend to Scotland would need careful consideration. Rodgers may view Vardy as a short-term option to add experience and depth to the squad, but the financial and logistical challenges of such a move should not be overlooked.
At the end of the day, Celtic’s future is likely to hinge on finding the right striker to replace Furuhashi long-term, and while Vardy could be a valuable addition for a season or two, it remains to be seen if he fits into the long-term plans for Rodgers and the club.
As the summer transfer window approaches, one thing is certain: Celtic are in the market for a striker, and the conversation surrounding Vardy’s potential move to Glasgow is sure to continue as fans, pundits, and journalists alike eagerly await developments.
Godwin Obaje
