Gary Lineker set for new TV deal talks as instant return outlined after BBC exit

Gary Lineker may already be lining up a new venture, with his time at the BBC officially set to come to an end this weekend.

Back in November, the former Leicester City striker announced he would be stepping down from his long-running role as Match of the Day presenter at the end of the season, while continuing to work with the BBC on the 2026 World Cup and next season's FA Cup coverage. However, that plan has since changed, and Lineker will now depart the broadcaster entirely following the conclusion of the current Premier League campaign.

He has wasted little time in exploring fresh opportunities. According to The Guardian, discussions are already underway between Lineker's own company, Goalhanger Productions, and sports streaming service DAZN over potentially airing footage from this summer's FIFA Club World Cup on his popular podcast.

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While there had been speculation he could be lured by a lucrative deal from one of the BBC's rivals - or even a move abroad - Lineker now seems set to focus on expanding his podcast and media brand.

The report reckons that The Rest is Football podcast, launched in August 2023, could produce highlight content featuring clips from the Club World Cup. The tournament will include some of the world’s top clubs, such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Set to take place in the United States from mid-June to mid-July - the tournament marks the first edition of the Club World Cup under FIFA's expanded format and will be the first to be staged during the off-season.

DAZN holds the global broadcast rights for the competition, but a deal with Lineker could also establish him as a major media disruptor. It would also signal his growing ambitions with Goalhanger Productions - notably in terms of breaking into the United States market.