Jamie Vardy at risk of suffering same thing as Leicester City in May | OneFootball

Jamie Vardy is at risk of suffering the same thing Leicester City have in May, with the striker plying his trade in Serie A with Cremonese.

He may now be a Cremonense player in Serie A, but Jamie Vardy’s journey with Leicester City was nothing short of remarkable in 13 years with the Foxes.

He evolved from a non-league striker into the face of the club’s greatest era. Signed from Fleetwood Town in 2012, few could have predicted the impact he would go on to have at the King Power Stadium with Leicester City.

Vardy was central to Leicester’s fairy-tale Premier League title win 2015/16, breaking records along the way, including scoring in 11 consecutive league matches. His relentless pressing, combined with pace in behind, and clinical finishing, which underpinned an unforgettable title charge.

Beyond that, his longevity, loyalty, and continued goal return across multiple seasons cements his legacy at Leicester. When weighing up influence, achievements, and iconic moments, there is a strong case that Vardy stands as Leicester’s greatest ever player.

Leicester City could be joined by Jamie Vardy with relegation this season

Vardy is still going, despite the 39-year-old slowing down in recent years. That said, he scored nine in the Premier League in last season's relegation before departing with exactly 200 goals in 500 games.

He has had to watch from afar after joining Cremonese on a free transfer, with Leicester suffering back-to-back relegations without their talismanic centre-forward. Vardy is preparing for life after football already, with the Englishman coming to the end of his playing career.

In fact, his playing career could impact a return to Leicester. Vardy's season in Serie A could prevent a reunion to celebrate 10 years since their iconic Premier League title win in 2016.

A last-gasp loss at home to Lazio in the 92nd minute was Vardy's fate. It was the striker's first appearance since the 21st of March, with Vardy joining the action 29 minutes before the end of regular time.

He has five goals and two assists in 26 appearances this term, but Cremonese are now 18th and four points adrift of Lecce with just three games remaining. Lecce's 2-1 away win to Pisa on Friday has meant a more precarious position for Vardy.

It leaves his side at serious risk of the same fate as Leicester this month, with relegation looking increasingly likely for a team yet to face Cesc Fabregas' high-flying Como on the final day of the campaign.

As per the Leicester Mercury, Vardy will need a "great escape" akin to Leicester's miraculous survival in 2015. Leicester couldn't manage it this time around but could Vardy get his current team out with three games to go?

Leicester should consider Jamie Vardy return

Vardy should give serious thought to returning to Leicester in some capacity this summer, particularly given the club’s need for leadership after a damaging double relegation. Whether that comes in a reduced playing role or by transitioning into coaching, his presence could be invaluable.

It would help in stabilising a fractured dressing room and galvanising the club. Vardy understands the club’s identity better than anyone, and in a League One promotion push, mentality is just as important as quality. His experience of adversity and success could help set standards and return to that winning culture again.

Equally, stepping into a coaching capacity would allow him to shape the next generation while maintaining his connection to the club. At a time when Leicester need direction and belief, Vardy coming home would be a great first step.

The question is whether he has the stomach for it or if he is keen to explore other opportunities after giving Leicester so much already. That could even be with his boyhood club, given that Sheffield Wednesday were relegated in the same season as the Foxes.