Jamie Vardy MLS transfer plea made by Dean Smith as Charlotte FC boss reveals bold text to Leicester City icon

Smith, who managed Vardy at King Power Stadium between April and May 2023 before Leicester were relegated from the Premier League, wanted to reunite with the forward in the United States this summer. After leaving the Foxes, the 53-year-old English manager joined MLS side Charlotte FC in December 2023.

Smith says he dropped a text message to the veteran English striker over a potential reunion at Charlotte, however, Vardy turned the offer down and later extended his stay with Leicester by signing a new one-year deal. The 37-year-old striker scored 18 goals in 37 Championship appearances last season as his club found their way back to the top division by winning the title.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Charlotte boss said: "I did text him to see if he wanted to come over to America. I knew that it was going to be hard once he took Leicester back to the Premier League. [I love] his enthusiasm for the game.

"He doesn't train as much as he used to, and he won't get as many minutes as he used to, but if he's used right he'll be really, really good [this season]. You saw the goals he scored in the Championship last year."

The former England international could be next seen in action for Leicester as they begin their 2024-25 Premier League journey on Monday against Tottenham at the King Power Stadium.