Match of the Day next presenter choice to replace Gary Lineker takes twist

TNT Sports anchor Reshmin Chowdhury has been on Match of the Day.

The news comes as at the end of the 2024-25 season, after gracing the screens as the BBC's premier football highlights show presenter for over 25 years. Despite his upcoming departure from Match of the Day, Lineker isn't severing ties with the BBC entirely; he's locked in until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, thanks to a fresh deal covering live football matches.

One initial suggestion for Lineker's replacement was Mark Chapman, the face of Match of the Day 2. Chapman stepped into the Champions League highlight series this term but reportedly rebuffed the idea of splitting the main role with Kelly Somers.

With no rush to name a new host immediately, since Lineker is around for another six months or so, the BBC has breathing room to make their choice. The spotlight could very well fall on Chowdhury to step up. has floated the possibility of Chowdhury's ascension, mentioning the BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski's prior interest in scooping her up for The Athletic. With a resume that boasts commentator roles within the corporation and a sizable base of support internally, Chowdhury, aged 46, is in a good position.

Reflecting on Lineker's short-term agreement, Kay-Jelski celebrated the presenter's status: "Gary is a world-class presenter, and we're delighted that he'll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.

"After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He'll be hugely missed on the show but we're so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."

after the fresh deal was confirmed: "I'm delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen," he expressed. With Gary Lineker taking a step back, the big question is, who's up next?

Rumors that Chapman has passed up the chance leave one pundit somewhat dismayed - Danny Murphy.

Having spent years on the BBC's punditry team, Murphy threw his support behind Chapman during a chat with talkSPORT: "I feel that they've got [a candidate]. Mark Chapman, who I work with a lot on Sundays," Murphy said. He continued, praising Chapman, "I think he's a brilliant presenter and very, very knowledgeable on sport and football. Somebody who is ready-made for it."

In terms of Chapman's interest, Murphy noted, "Whether he wants it or not, I don't know. That's a different question, you'd have to ask him. But he would be the glaring, obvious choice for me."