Wayne Rooney 'in talks over new job with huge salary' just weeks after Plymouth sacking
WATCH NOW: Sports round-up with Wayne Rooney in talks over new job
Wayne Rooney is in talks with the BBC to join Match of the Day as a pundit following his departure from Plymouth Argyle, according to reports.
The 39-year-old is exploring a move to the programme ahead of Gary Lineker's exit at the end of the current season.
Rooney was dismissed as Plymouth manager in late 2024, with the Championship club sitting at the bottom of the table.
The Manchester United legend could earn up to £200,000 annually for the role, with the exact amount depending on his number of appearances, according to The Sun.
Wayne Rooney is in talks with the BBC to join Match of the Day as a pundit following his departure from Plymouth Argyle
REUTERS
The former striker is set to join new hosts Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates as a rotating guest pundit on the BBC highlights show.
A source close to the negotiations said: "Punditry is one of a number of options open to Wayne for the future."
"Match of the Day and a couple of other broadcasters are interested in having him on their programming," the source added.
The talks are reportedly in their early stages but are "looking promising" as Rooney considers his next career move.
JUST IN: Emma Raducanu makes blame feelings clear after losing to Iga Swiatek at Australian Open
Wayne Rooney is currently out of work having been sacked by Plymouth at the end of 2024
PA
The source also said Rooney had been a 'huge hit' with viewers after working as a pundit during the European Championships last summer.
He covered group stage games before leaving to start his job at Plymouth.
"He's also eminently likeable with a forensic knowledge and love of the game," the source continued.
Rooney was initially scheduled to make his Match of the Day debut last April but had to withdraw due to a back injury.
READ MORE: Tyson Fury given retirement U-turn deadline as Anthony Joshua fight continues to hang in balance
The potential move comes as his wife Coleen, 38, has been receiving numerous offers following her runner-up finish in I'm A Celebrity.
"This is going to be a massively exciting year for Coleen and Wayne - they have so many options ahead of them," a source said.
Speaking recently, meanwhile, Dwight Yorke criticised Rooney for working in television while he was Plymouth manager - with the 39-year-old making appearances on the Stick to Football podcast.
"The Wayne Rooney situation baffles me a bit," he said.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Novak Djokovic 'very hot-headed' after beating Tomas Machac in straight sets at Australian Open
- Erling Haaland makes stance clear on staying at Man City if they're relegated after signing mega new contract
- Neymar fires shots at Kylian Mbappe and says forward was 'jealous' of Lionel Messi during time at PSG
"I had a great deal of respect for Rooney, I know him well enough.
"Sometimes, you try your hand at things and it doesn't work out. Similar to players, you try a position and it's not right.
"I studied Rooney's coaching and I think when you get into management, you question certain things that he did.
"Everyone has their own way of doing things, I just think when he does things in the media, it doesn't help himself because he's such a big profile already.
Wayne Rooney and Coleen Rooney are set for an 'exciting' 2025 despite his recent departure from Plymouth
PA"The greatest managers in the Premier League, you don't see them doing media duties, they are fully focused and committed to their jobs.
"If you're not committed, then you're fighting a losing battle.
"Maybe Rooney has to put his hands up and say he's not as good as he thought he'd be as a manager, his win rate percentage is alarming.
"The odds are against him, but it is Rooney so you can never say never."
You may like
