In a significant show of faith and stability, Leicester City has secured the futures of two key players ahead of their Premier League return. Veteran striker Jamie Vardy has signed a new one-year deal, while defender Jannik Vestergaard has committed his long-term future to the club with a contract until 2027. This news, broken by Baji Live, is a massive boost for the Foxes as they prepare for their top-flight comeback.
Jamie Vardy: The Ageless Fox Extends His Legendary Stay
The news that Jamie Vardy will be leading the line for Leicester City in the 2024/25 season is a story that transcends the simple signing of a contract. It is the continuation of a fairytale. Arriving from Fleetwood Town in 2012 for a non-league fee, Vardy has become the club’s modern-day icon. Now 37, his new deal will see him embark on his 13th season at the King Power Stadium, a testament to his incredible physical conditioning and unwavering hunger for the game.
His contribution last season was nothing short of monumental. In the Foxes’ promotion-winning campaign, the former England international rolled back the years, netting 20 goals in 37 appearances. His pace, movement, and lethal finishing were a constant nightmare for Championship defenders, proving that his instincts remain as sharp as ever. Speaking on his extension, Vardy’s passion was palpable: “To get the numbers that I did, I’m delighted with it, but there’s still more to come.”
His secret? A relentless dedication to his fitness. Vardy famously stated, “I look after myself. I’ve always said that age is just a number. My legs feel fine so that’s why I carry on until my legs say, ‘That’s it, game over’. There will be a day when that comes, but that’s not right now.” With 190 goals in 464 games for the club, including Premier League and FA Cup triumphs, Vardy’s legacy is already secure, but he is far from finished.
Jannik Vestergaard: A Remarkable Redemption Story
If Vardy‘s story is one of sustained excellence, then Jannik Vestergaard’s is one of remarkable redemption. Less than a year ago, the Danish international’s career at Leicester appeared to be over. He was training alone, ostracized by then-manager Brendan Rodgers, and seemed certain to leave the club. However, the appointment of Enzo Maresca proved to be a lifeline.
Vestergaard became a cornerstone of Maresca’s possession-based system, dictating play from the back with his exceptional passing range and composure. His commanding presence in central defense was crucial to Leicester’s title win. The club, impressed by his dramatic turnaround, opened talks over a new deal in mid-February and have now been rewarded with his signature on a three-year contract. This is a huge statement, securing a player who has rediscovered his best form at the highest level.
A New Era Under a New Manager
While the player news is positive, a significant question mark hangs over the King Power dugout. The architect of their promotion, Enzo Maresca, departed earlier this week to take the helm at Chelsea. Leicester’s search for a new manager is now the most pressing issue at the club. The new boss will have the fantastic foundation of a club legend in Vardy and a resurgent leader in Vestergaard to build upon as they aim to re-establish themselves in the Premier League.
As one era begins for some, others have reached the end of their Leicester journey. The club has confirmed the departures of several players whose contracts have expired. Marc Albrighton‘s decade-long, trophy-laden spell with the Foxes, which included winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Championship, has come to an end. Likewise, Kelechi Iheanacho and Denis Praet will also be moving on, marking the end of a significant chapter for the club.
Looking Ahead to the Premier League and Transfer Window
The excitement for the new season is already building. Vardy himself captured the mood, saying, “We look forward to another season in the Premier League and seeing what we can do. One hundred per cent, it’s the best league in the world. That’s where you want to be playing your football.”
The club’s plans will accelerate with the opening of the summer transfer window. According to the latest updates from Baji Live, the window officially opens on Friday, June 14, and will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time. This new deadline, aligned with other major European leagues, sets the stage for a busy period of recruitment at Leicester as they shape their squad for the top-flight challenge ahead.
The contract extensions for Jamie Vardy and Jannik Vestergaard provide Leicester City with invaluable experience and stability as they navigate a managerial change and a return to the Premier League. Vardy’s ageless passion and Vestergaard’s defensive solidity are foundational pieces for the future. As the Foxes prepare for the upcoming season, the King Power faithful have real reasons for optimism. What are your thoughts on Leicester’s prospects for the new season? Share your comments below and stay tuned to Baji Live for all the latest transfer news and analysis.
