BBC has surprise new option to replace Lineker on MOTD after Chapman exit | Football | Sport

TNT Sports presenter Reshmin Chowdhury is tipped as a potential candidate to take over Gary Lineker on BBC‘Match of the day.

After more than 25 years at the helm of the iconic football program, Lineker will step down after the end of the 2024-2025 season.

Despite his departure, he is not cutting ties with the US BBC completely, and agreed to stay until the end of the 2026 World Cup after signing a new live match deal.

Early speculation pointed to Mark Chapman, who currently anchors Match of the Day 2 and was recently introduced in the Champions League highlights, as Lineker’s possible successor.

However, it is believed that Chapman has turned down an opportunity for a split hosting deal.

With enough time before a transition needs to be made – more than six months – the BBC is under no pressure to rush its selection process.

Chowdhury, 46, who has previously commented for the company, could be the frontrunner to take on the coveted role.

Reports of the Daily mail suggest that her name is already gaining support within the Beeb, partly fueled by BBC sporting director Alex Kay-Jelski’s previous attempts to recruit Chowdhury while at The Athletic.

Commenting on the confirmation of Lineker’s interim deal, Kay-Jelski praised him, saying: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we are pleased that he will lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage .of the FA Cup.”

“After 25 seasons, Gary is resigning from MOTD. We would like to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers every week.

“He will be greatly missed on the show, but we are so happy he will be staying on the show BBC to present live football.”

Lineker himself expressed his satisfaction with the new arrangement, saying: “I am delighted to continue my long association with the new arrangement BBC Sport and would like to thank everyone who made this possible.”

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy, who has been a regular expert on MOTD2, had previously endorsed Chapman during a talkSPORT interview: “I feel like they have (a candidate). Mark Chapman, who I spend a lot of time with on Sundays work.

“I think he is a brilliant presenter and has a lot of knowledge of sports and football. Someone who is ready.”

‘Whether he wants it or not, I don’t know. That’s another question, you should ask him. But he would be the standout, obvious choice for me.”