Just when it seemed like Jamie Vardy was packing his bags for a new adventure in Italy, a familiar Premier League legend stepped in and slammed the brakes on the move.
And no, it wasn’t a boardroom battle—it was a personal decision from someone who knows a thing or two about English football: Patrick Vieira.
A Glorious Leicester Chapter Comes to an End
Vardy, 38, recently wrapped up his remarkable career with Leicester City, bowing out in style by netting his 200th goal for the club in his final appearance.
After more than a decade of defying expectations and tormenting Premier League defenders, the veteran striker made it clear—he’s not done just yet.
Genoa Were Interested, But the Boss Wasn’t
As transfer rumours started swirling, one of the more eye-catching links was with Serie A side Genoa.
Talks reportedly got quite advanced. In fact, Italian outlet La Repubblica claimed the deal was on the verge of being sealed, with Vardy set to join on a deal that would’ve seen sponsors cover his wages.
But there was one problem: Genoa’s manager.
That man just so happens to be Arsenal’s legendary midfielder Patrick Vieira.
Despite all the buzz, Vieira reportedly stepped in and vetoed the move, saying he wasn’t convinced that Vardy was the right fit for the club.
And just like that, the deal collapsed.
Vieira Pulls Rank at Genoa
Vieira, now in charge at Genoa, isn’t just a figurehead—he’s clearly calling the shots.
Although the club’s sporting director, Flavio Ricciardella, had been actively pursuing the transfer, Vieira ultimately had the final say and wasn’t swayed by the potential star power Vardy could bring.
It’s an intriguing moment: one Premier League great stopping another from taking the leap into Italian football.
But Vieira’s track record suggests he knows what he wants—and what he doesn’t.
Where Could Vardy Go Now?
So, with Italy off the table (at least for now), where’s Vardy heading next? Current whispers suggest Scotland could be the next stop.
Rangers are reportedly at the front of the queue, and they’re keen to add his experience to their squad.
Elsewhere, Como and Nottingham Forest have also been linked with the former England international.
Vardy, who earned 26 caps for England, clearly isn’t short of options.
Wherever he ends up, his eye for goal and relentless energy could still make a difference—even in the twilight of his career.
Vieira’s Journey from Midfield Maestro to Managerial Mind
As for Vieira, his coaching journey has been quite the ride.
After hanging up his boots at Manchester City, he took on his first head coach role at New York City FC, one of the clubs under the City Football Group umbrella.
He impressed in MLS, transforming NYCFC from 17th to fourth in just one season—and then to second the next.
Back in Europe, Vieira took charge of Ligue 1 side Nice, where he managed a seventh and fifth-placed finish.
That success paved the way for his return to England with Crystal Palace in 2021.
A Rocky Road in the Premier League Dugout
Vieira’s time at Selhurst Park started with promise.
His first season saw Palace secure a respectable 12th-place finish, and many praised his fresh, attacking approach.
But things turned sour in the following season.
Goals dried up, results dipped, and after a 12-game winless streak, the club let him go.
He wasn’t without suitors, though. Vieira soon found himself at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, but that stint was short-lived—he left after just one year.
Four months later, he accepted the job at Genoa.
An Unexpected Clash of Premier League Titans
It’s fascinating to see two iconic Premier League figures—Vardy, the unlikely superstar striker, and Vieira, the midfield enforcer turned manager—intersect in such a surprising way.
One wants to keep playing; the other’s trying to build a squad in his own vision.
For now, that vision doesn’t include Jamie Vardy.
But with Vardy still motivated and available, fans will be watching closely to see where the next chapter of his remarkable career unfolds.
One thing’s certain: he’s not ready to fade into the background just yet.