Leicester City can save millions on a Jamie Vardy replacement, he’s right under their nose

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Leicester City’s preparations for the Championship will soon begin, and one thing on their agenda will be a replacement for Jamie Vardy.

Vardy announced he will leave Leicester City at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, marking the end of an incredible 13 years at the club.

The 38-year-old will be immortalised forever at the King Power Stadium. The legendary striker struck the Foxes to unparalleled success, including a Premier League title, an FA Cup triumph and a Champions League quarter-final run.

As Leicester fans reacted to the news of Vardy’s departure, the Championship side will know that finding an heir to his throne won’t be easy.

There are several possible replacements for Vardy that City should consider, although any incoming manager could save millions by unleashing one star from the academy.

• READ MORE: What Dean Smith said about Jamie Vardy in 2024 could point towards Leicester City star’s next move

Jake Evans can replace Jamie Vardy at Leicester City

Leicester are a team that likes to promote youth, seeing 15-year-old Jeremy Monga make his debut against Newcastle United and other youngsters promoted to the first-team bench.

Monga is the most talented player to come through their academy recently, but another gem is rivalling him closely.

Clinical centre-forward Jake Evans has been impressive this term, scoring 10 goals in 14 Premier League 2 appearances for the Foxes.

Evans, who has been tipped to replace Vardy in the future, made his first-team debut for City in a 2-2 draw against Brighton earlier this month.

The 16-year-old has demonstrated his incredible potential in the academy, showing the movement and lethal finishing synonymous with Vardy.

So, with a campaign in the second tier on the horizon, Leicester could take a gamble by replacing their long-serving striker with Evans.

• READ MORE: Leeds United icon aimed sly dig at Bristol City after transforming his career with Elland Road move

What Ruud van Nistelrooy has said about Evans

Although Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to leave Leicester with the club drawing up a shortlist of replacements, the Dutchman has spoken highly of Evans.

“Realistically, it’s very simple. When they’re ready and good enough and better than what we have, they’re going to have to play, because it’s the best for the football club,” Van Nistelrooy said.

“For Jake now, he’s adjusting to training with the first team, making very valuable minutes in the Under-21s. He’s picked up a little injury now so we need to look after him.

“Let’s hope he keeps developing and can train a lot more with us. But we have to also be careful. Little injuries like he has now, we have to assess him, we hope it’s not much. He’s a great prospect for the future and hopefully the near, near future.”

That was what the 48-year-old said about his teenage sensation in February, claiming opportunities were available in near future.

Of course, he then made his debut in the draw at Brighton and could be one of the main strikers Leicester use next season, saving them millions in the process.