Wayne Rooney ‘lands £800,000 BBC deal to be Match of the Day regular’ with ex-England captain seemingly set to focus on media over management

Wayne Rooney looks set to swap the dugout for the studio, with a report claiming the former England captain has landed a lucrative deal to become a regular pundit on Match of the Day.

The 39-year-old has been out of management since leaving Plymouth Argyle by mutual consent on New Year’s Eve after a challenging seven-month spell in charge. It was his fourth managerial role in as many years, following stints with Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City.

Rooney has made no secret of his enjoyment of punditry since stepping back from coaching, appearing on Amazon Prime Video for Champions League coverage and joining the BBC as a guest on Match of the Day.

Speaking to talkSPORT last month, he appeared to hint that his immediate future would involve more media work than management. He told the radio station: ‘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.’

According to The Sun, Rooney will earn £800,000 over two years with the BBC and is set to be unveiled later this month after impressing during his guest appearances.

Rooney looks set to focus on punditry after losing his job as Plymouth manager in December

The deal apparently also includes a role in the broadcaster’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, plus the option of a further two-year extension.

Rooney’s imminent arrival comes as Match of the Day moves into a new era following Gary Lineker’s departure, with the BBC looking to refresh its punditry team alongside presenters Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.

Insiders are said to have described Rooney as ‘warm, witty and forensically knowledgeable’, with his insight seen as a valuable addition as the show adapts in the streaming age.

Rooney’s move also comes as wife Coleen continues to expand her own media profile, having reportedly signed a £10million deal with Disney for a family documentary featuring the couple and their four sons.