Wayne Rooney in Talks for Top BBC Job with Six-Figure Salary Offer
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney is reportedly in discussions for a swift return to football following his recent departure as Plymouth Argyle manager. The 39-year-old was relieved of his managerial duties last month as Plymouth struggled at the bottom of the table, teetering just four points away from safety. This exit came after Rooney’s sacking by Birmingham City in January of the previous year, raising doubts about his future in English football management.
However, new opportunities seem to be on the horizon for England’s leading goal scorer, as reports suggest he is being considered for a prominent punditry role. The Sun has indicated that Rooney is currently in talks with the BBC to join the Match of the Day team. The renowned BBC programme is anticipated to undergo changes in the upcoming season, with host Gary Lineker planning to step down at the end of the 2024/25 season. In his place, Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates are set to take over the reins of the coveted Saturday night show on a rotating basis. Rooney is poised to be the latest addition to the line-up, expected to provide regular analysis, as per reports from the Express.
Negotiations hint at a potential annual salary of around £200,000 for Rooney in this new role. Sources close to the discussions revealed that Rooney has yet to make a final decision regarding the punditry opportunity, as he explores his options within the sport. A source cited by The Sun mentioned that “punditry is one of a number of options open to Wayne for the future,” noting that “he worked alongside Gary and co at the Euros last summer and was a huge hit with viewers. He’s also eminently likeable with a forensic knowledge and love of the game.”
While discussions are ongoing between Rooney and the BBC, the potential collaboration appears promising, allowing Rooney time to consider his next career move. Rooney was initially set to debut on Match of the Day in April, but had to withdraw unexpectedly due to a back issue. His football expertise and insights have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the positive reception of his appearances on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football alongside David Jones and Jamie Carragher during his tenure at Derby County.
Rooney, a Champions League winner in 2008, is not the only one attracting interest from television networks; his wife Coleen has also garnered attention following her participation in ITV’s I’m a Celebrity series. At 38 years old, Coleen finished as the runner-up in the competition, just behind musician Danny Jones. Since returning to the UK, she has launched a fitness range in collaboration with Applied Nutrition, publicly acknowledging her husband’s unwavering support.
As Rooney contemplates his potential transition from the pitch to the punditry booth, he stands at a crossroads that could see him sharing his wealth of football knowledge with fans on a different platform. With talks underway and a new chapter potentially unfolding in his career, Rooney’s return to the limelight could offer viewers a fresh perspective on the beautiful game.
This exciting opportunity for Rooney to step into the world of sports punditry marks a significant moment in his post-playing career, potentially paving the way for a new chapter in his football journey. As he explores this avenue alongside other broadcasting possibilities, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the football icon’s professional trajectory.