c17 - Loan Move
In the training match, the starting XI dominated possession and largely controlled the game. The substitutes had limited chances to counter, but Vardy capitalized on two opportunities, displaying his blistering pace in front of Sir Alex Ferguson. He also managed to pounce on a loose ball in the box to complete a hat trick.
Before the final whistle, Ferguson had quietly left the training ground, much to the disappointment of the players, who had been hoping to impress him.
Vardy, however, remained realistic. The senior squad already had established forwards like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Louis Saha, and Alan Smith, while Manchester United were actively pursuing Everton's young prodigy, Wayne Rooney. He knew there was no place for him in the first team at least not yet.
After training, U18 coach Paul McGuinness pulled him aside and delivered unexpected news.
"What? The club wants to loan me out?" Vardy's initial shock quickly turned into excitement.
A professional footballer's career depends on regular first-team minutes. Staying in the youth team, no matter how dominant he was, would do him no good. A loan move, even to a lower league club, meant the chance to prove himself against grown men.
"Yes, this is a decision made by Sir Alex himself," McGuinness confirmed. "For now, just continue training as usual. The club is looking for the right team for your development. It could be a Championship side or even a partner club like Royal Antwerp."
Vardy worried for a moment. Would this mean leaving England entirely? But that was secondary what mattered was playing time.
McGuinness, misinterpreting Vardy's silence, reassured him. "This is an important step. You're not ready for the first team yet, and if you stay in the youth squad, your progress will stall. If you perform well, you'll come back stronger."
Vardy nodded quickly, eager not to let this opportunity slip away. "I understand. I'll go wherever the club thinks is best!"
McGuinness smiled. Though Vardy had only been at Carrington for a short time, he was a United academy player now, and the staff wanted him to succeed.
That evening, academy director Jimmy Langley visited Vardy at the Smiths' home to discuss the loan move.
"No need to worry," Langley assured him. "Every young player goes through this. Whether you end up in the Championship or elsewhere, I have no doubt you'll make an impact."
Vardy laughed. "Honestly, I'm happy about it! I just want to play."
Mr. Smith smirked. "Told you he'd be fine!"
Mrs. Smith, however, seemed more emotional. "We'll miss you, Jamie. You're like family now." She hugged him tightly.
Vardy smiled. "I'll miss you both too."
While Vardy was enjoying a home-cooked meal, an intense negotiation was happening elsewhere one that would directly impact his future.
Manchester United were deep in talks with Everton over Wayne Rooney's transfer.
United CEO David Gill sat across from Everton chairman Bill Kenwright.
"£25 million plus David Bellion. That's a fair offer," Gill said.
Ferguson had long admired Rooney. The 18-year-old had already established himself in the Premier League and had been England's standout performer at Euro 2004, scoring four goals. If United signed him, they wouldn't have to worry about their striker position for years.
However, Everton weren't willing to let their star man go cheaply. Kenwright, knowing Rooney's market value, rejected the deal outright. "We're not interested in Bellion. If you don't meet our £30 million valuation, forget it."
The meeting ended without an agreement. But Ferguson had a new idea.
If Everton were losing a striker, they'd need a replacement. And Vardy fit their counterattacking system perfectly.
The next day, Gill revised United's offer: £26 million, plus Vardy on loan for two seasons.
Kenwright was unimpressed. "This isn't an improvement. If you don't pay £30 million, I'd rather let Rooney rot at Goodison Park."
Gill slid a videotape across the table. "Watch this. Show it to David Moyes. I think he'll understand."
The negotiations ended again, and Kenwright left fuming. "Stingy bastards," he muttered under his breath.
Still, curiosity got the better of him. Later that evening, he handed the tape to Everton manager David Moyes.
Moyes wasn't expecting much. Another academy prospect? He had bigger issues to deal with. But as he watched the footage, his demeanor changed.
Vardy's movement was electric. His acceleration, devastating. He was causing havoc against Manchester United's youth defenders, leaving them for dead.
Moyes practically jumped out of his chair. "This is the type of striker we need!" He sprinted into Kenwright's office. "We take the deal! Get Vardy on loan."
And just like that, the negotiations became simpler.
Unbeknownst to Vardy, his name had directly influenced one of the biggest transfers in English football. Because of his involvement, United knocked £1 million off Rooney's transfer fee effectively valuing his loan move at £1 million.
It was official. Rooney was heading to Old Trafford, and Vardy was on his way to Goodison Park. His professional journey was about to begin.