Sheffield Wednesday handed major boost in Jamie Vardy pursuit as Phil Parkinson confirms Wrexham stance

Add as preferred source on Google

The future of Jamie Vardy has taken a surprising turn as Sheffield Wednesday show interest in the boyhood Owl.

In the past week, Jamie Vardy confirmed his imminent departure from Leicester City after 12 years at the King Power Stadium, which will see him leave the club following their relegation to the Championship.

Since then, several Championship clubs have swarmed to sign the former England international, who, despite being 38 years old, is still revered as a player who can make a significant difference in the second-tier, having bagged 18 in the Foxes’ 2023/24 promotion campaign.

One side that have emerged as contenders to sign Vardy is Sheffield Wednesday, as EFL Analysis revealed yesterday.

It is understood that Wrexham are also interested in the Leicester legend, however, their boss Phil Parkinson’s recent comments could potentially put Sheffield Wednesday in the driving seat.

• READ MORE: Leicester City are seriously thinking about hiring Russell Martin, but he may be holding out for a different job

Recent Phil Parkinson comments could put Sheffield Wednesday in the driving seat for Jamie Vardy signing

Wrexham confirmed their promotion to the Championship at the weekend after they beat Charlton 3-0 at home. The club, owned by Hollywood royalty Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have gained a reputation for signing top reputation players, no matter the level, and a link to Vardy has been made as a result.

However, Wrexham boss Parkinson may have put the links to Vardy to bed with his recent comments, per The Daily Mail.

“I think it’s interesting because the jump in salaries is incredible – mind-blowing,” said Parkinson. “Even coming up to [League One] level, the jump to get players of Championship quality is expensive, but obviously with the next level, I don’t think people outside football quite realise.

“We’ve always tried to make sure the culture in the club is right, and I think that’s key – no superstars, no egos in the dressing room – and we’ve got to try and get that balance right again.

“You always need extra quality when you go up a level to make sure the right people come into the building.”

It is safe to say that, based on Vardy’s prestige at Premier League level, as well as his highly-documented ….housery against many sides, ‘superstar’ and ‘ego’ could almost certainly be a nod to the Leicester City man. 

• READ MORE: Eagle-eyed Sheffield Wednesday fans noticed Danny Rohl do one thing in Hillsborough lap of honour

The Owls will benefit far past on-pitch product with Jamie Vardy signing

There is no doubt that 99.9% of Sheffield Wednesday fans would want to see Vardy donning the famous blue & white of the club he supports. Having come through the academy on S6, he was never able to make it to first-team level before joining local non-league side Stoicksbrudge Park Steels.

But for the small minority of fans who may still need convincing, the off-pitch benefits would be massive for the club, as such a player would certainly bring extra eyes on the team, and revenue would certainly stream through because of shirt sales, for example.

Of course the Owls still have many hurdles to jump to sign Vardy, and he would likely require a wage that Dejphon Chansiri may not be fully inclined to jump straight in for, but bringing in a player with such a profile would no doubt benefit the club.