Gary Lineker, the former England footballer, has been a significant presence on the BBC since 1999. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks to become the highest-paid presenter at the broadcasting giant, with an annual salary of £1.35 million. As a well-known figure in sports broadcasting, Lineker’s potential career moves always garner significant attention.
Lineker’s Alleged Approach to ITV
Recent reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Lineker has approached ITV to gauge their interest in having him as a sports anchor. With his contract at the BBC set to expire next summer, it’s understandable that Lineker might be exploring new opportunities. A move to ITV could potentially offer new challenges and a fresh platform for his presenting skills.
Jon Holmes’ Firm Denial
Despite these rumours, Jon Holmes, Lineker’s agent, has dismissed them as “rubbish.” According to Holmes, ITV had expressed interest in Lineker “years ago,” but the presenter declined their offers. Holmes emphasised that Lineker’s discussions with ITV were limited to previous engagements, such as hosting the game show *Sitting on a Fortune* from 2021 until its cancellation in July 2023.
The Nature of Negotiations
The report from the Daily Mail claims that the recent negotiations were specifically aimed at a prominent position in ITV’s sports coverage, independent of Lineker’s past ITV engagements. This distinction suggests that the discussions, if they indeed took place, were part of a broader strategy to enhance ITV’s sports broadcasting capabilities with Lineker at the helm.
While the rumours of Gary Lineker’s potential move to ITV have sparked considerable interest, the firm denial from his agent Jon Holmes suggests that these reports may be overstated. As Lineker’s contract with the BBC approaches its expiration, only time will tell whether he will continue his long-standing relationship with the BBC or explore new opportunities. For now, fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see what the future holds for one of the most prominent figures in sports broadcasting.