Wayne Rooney has reportedly landed a lucrative new role, seven months on from his sacking at Plymouth Argyle, in a deal that will secure the 39-year-old £800,000 over two seasons.
The former England star has endured multiple roles in the dugout since his retirement from playing, including DC United, Derby County, Birmingham City and, most recently, Plymouth.
Rooney struggled to make any real strides forward in terms of coaching, with particularly disappointing spells at Birmingham and on the south coast, but one area in which he has seen significant success is in punditry.
The former Manchester United star, who scored 253 goals for the Red Devils, has appeared on Amazon Prime during their Champions League broadcasts, and has also worked with the BBC on Match of the Day and their live coverage of the FA Cup.
Wayne Rooney took part in Soccer Aid last month
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Now, Rooney is set to return to viewers’ screens on a regular basis, with the 39-year-old signing a two-year deal with the BBC to become a studio stalwart alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on the show, according to The Sun.
The deal also includes coverage of the 2026 World Cup and an option to extend his contract for a further two years.
A source told The Sun: “Wayne is a natural broadcaster; he is warm, witty and forensically knowledgeable about all aspects of the game.
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Wayne Rooney has featured on Match of the Day before and on Amazon Prime's coverage of the Champions League
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“He still has a deep love for football and also gets on well with everyone on both sides of the camera. He is eminently likeable, and has impressed on his outings to date - viewers have also really taken to him which has been clear from social media commentary.
“Wayne will be a key part of next year’s World Cup coverage, which is a massive coup, and will provide some much-needed expertise on Match of the Day in the wake of Gary’s departure.”
Rooney himself had previously hinted at his intent to stay within the broadcasting world when he spoke to TalkSPORT last month.
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He said: “Obviously, just doing some TV work at the minute, so that’s what I’m doing. I’m enjoying it. So, that’s where I’ll be.”
Rooney’s arrival marks the start of a new era for the iconic TV show, with Gary Lineker leaving his role as the show’s presenter after 25 years.
Replacing him will be a rotation of three well-respected and experienced broadcasters: Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.
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Wayne Rooney has worked alonside Micah Richards and Gary Lineker during the BBC's live FA Cup coverage last year
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The deal also coincides with Coleen Rooney, Rooney’s long-term wife, signing a £10million deal with Disney for a family documentary along with Wayne and their four sons.
The source added: “With Coleen’s amazing Disney contract, and Wayne’s new BBC one, they will officially become one of the country’s most influential media power couples. It’s a very exciting time.”
The deal suggests Rooney’s mixed managerial career will, for now at least, be put on hold as he pursues his broadcasting exploits.
During his managerial experience in the Championship with Derby, Birmingham and Plymouth, Rooney managed a win percentage of less than 30, with his time at Birmingham lasting just 15 matches and winning just 13 per cent of games.
The 39-year-old has certainly been more of a success on TV, with his personality and insight shining through.
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