Chapter 52: Renewal?
After this round of Premier League fixtures, Jamie Vardy once again became the darling of both the media and the fans.
His brilliant goal-scoring performance, the rash red card, and that unforgettable, bewildered expression left the audience speechless in a mix of admiration and disbelief.
Mainstream outlets like Sky Sports and BBC Sport heaped praise on Vardy's impact, calling him a symbol of the new English footballing spirit. His meteoric rise has even eclipsed the current popularity of Wayne Rooney, who was once hailed as England's golden boy.
Sir Alex Ferguson's public remarks only added fuel to the already raging firestorm of speculation and buzz surrounding Vardy.
"We've kept a close eye on Vardy's performances. Clearly, he's proven his worth in the Premier League. With such phenomenal consistency and a relentless drive on the pitch, no top club would turn him away. Manchester United are actively considering recalling Vardy from Everton during the winter transfer window. I'm confident he could deliver even more for us at Old Trafford."
These words sent shockwaves through Merseyside, enraging Everton supporters who felt blindsided and betrayed.
"We finally developed another top talent after losing Rooney, and now you want to snatch Vardy back too? Manchester United have no shame!"
Outraged Everton fans gathered outside Goodison Park, demanding the club reject any approach from Manchester United. Their banners and chants left no doubt: Vardy belonged in blue, not red.
David Moyes, clearly aware of Vardy's tactical importance, especially in fast transitions and high pressing systems, responded firmly.
"We signed a two-year loan deal with Manchester United, which stipulates that Jamie will remain with us through the end of next season. As far as I'm concerned, we'll honor that contract."
Moyes's tone was sharp almost reminiscent of his previous frustration when United poached Rooney. This time, he seemed unwilling to repeat history.
Meanwhile, Manchester United supporters acted like they were owed Vardy's return, declaring on forums and call-in shows that his recall was a matter of destiny.
United's form had been shaky since August. Injuries to Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy had disrupted the forward line, while backups like David Bellion lacked the firepower and precision needed at the top level. Their goal conversion rate had dipped below 9%, a steep fall from previous seasons.
If Vardy returns, some fans believe, he could become their siege engine a counter-attacking weapon who thrives on space and explosive acceleration.
Statistics supported the hype. Vardy had scored 9 goals in 12 league appearances, with a shot conversion rate north of 23%, even higher than Van Nistelrooy's 21% peak in the 2002–03 season. However, critics were quick to point out that most of Vardy's goals came from breakaways and transitional play a style Everton perfected but one that might not suit United's slower, possession-based approach.
Online clashes between both fanbases reached fever pitch. What was once a friendly relationship between the two clubs now resembled open hostility.
...
Vardy's sudden stardom wasn't just about his goals or his relentless energy it was also about his unforgettable look, which dominated the back pages and social media.
Footballers are known for eccentric styles Paul Pogba's ever-changing haircuts, David Beckham's cornrows, even Carlos Valderrama's iconic afro.
Yet Vardy managed to raise eyebrows in a way few others could. His new look shaved sides, streaked faux hawk, and tinted contacts was so outrageous that reactions ranged from disbelief to laughter to sheer terror.
Some fans joked they needed therapy after seeing his press photo. Others swore their snacks fell out of their mouths. But no one remained indifferent. Vardy's image wild, untamed, unforgettable seemed to match his chaotic energy on the pitch perfectly.
The key is that this look is simply too eye-catching on the pitch. The moment Vardy steps onto the field, all eyes instinctively lock onto him.
The media is relentlessly hyping it, fans are arguing over it in pubs and forums, and even betting companies are getting in on the act offering odds on how long Vardy will keep this flamboyant hairstyle. The lowest odds right now? That he'll ditch it within a week.
But despite the shock value, the look has rapidly sparked a craze across England.
In recent days, barbershops have seen a surge in requests from young fans wanting to replicate "the Vardy cut," complete with neon highlights and angular shaves.
On the high streets of Liverpool and Manchester, you can spot dozens of teens proudly strutting around with shock-colored hair, looking like clones of the in-form Everton striker.
At first, passersby genuinely thought it was Vardy himself out shopping, and would rush over begging for autographs. But soon, when every corner seemed to have a "Vardy," the novelty wore off.
Vardy, true to form, doesn't care in the slightest what others think. The important thing is, once again, he's succeeded in stirring up conversation and headlines exactly as he intended.
Lying in bed and opening up the system interface, a cascade of prompts flashed before Vardy's eyes, making him beam with satisfaction.
He had just earned 6 system coins from the recent game his personal best from a single match. Every time he sees those gold coins pop up, it feels like payday.
That brings his total to 14 system gold coins, counting the 8 he had previously accumulated.
But with the steep prices of the mysterious upgrades and items in the system's store, 14 coins aren't enough for anything significant just yet. So Vardy decided to hold off, saving them for something truly game-changing.
Unsurprisingly, his outrageous "Shamatte" look had unlocked a new characteristic point. If that look didn't qualify as "distinctive," then Vardy might as well uninstall the system and quit football.
He considered using the point to upgrade his "Super Sub" trait to Level 4 a skill that had helped him dramatically change games off the bench. But just as he was about to commit, Vardy paused.
After all, he'd already broken into Everton's starting XI through sheer performance. Even with the looming suspension from that reckless red card, it's unlikely Moyes would bench him once he's available again.
If he's starting every match, would the "Super Sub" trait still be relevant?
After a moment's thought, Vardy decided to save the characteristic point and use it later, perhaps when he unlocked a different, more suitable trait.
"I'm a genius," he grinned to himself, full of self-praise.
But as he lay back, another thought unsettled him: when exactly would the next feature become available?
This uncertainty made Vardy feel restless. He needed to improve fast to gain fame, recognition, and the system's rewards as soon as possible. The last thing he wanted was to follow the path of the real-life Jamie Vardy, who only gained national attention around age 30. By then, what would it matter?
...
Just as he was lost in thought, Vardy received a call from Manchester United. The message? Report to the club immediately to discuss a contract renewal.
A renewal?
Vardy was baffled. He had only signed his first professional deal with United a few months ago. Why renew it so soon?
Could it be that his performances had rattled the club's executives, prompting them to act quickly to secure his long-term future? Were they planning to bump up his salary?
Vardy couldn't help but get excited. His current £2,000-a-week contract made him feel more like an academy hopeful than a professional footballer. A pay raise would not only validate his progress but give him real standing in the dressing room.
The truth is, this sort of situation wouldn't have happened if he had an agent. Any decent representative would've been hammering at United's door weeks ago, negotiating an improved deal the moment his stock started rising.
Eager not to miss the opportunity, Vardy took the day off training with Moyes's approval and hopped on the train to Manchester. With money on the line, his motivation was sky-high.
What he didn't expect, however, was to be greeted in person by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson himself. Seeing the legendary manager waiting for him in the boardroom sent a jolt of nerves through Vardy.
This was their first official face-to-face meeting and it marked a turning point in his young career.
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