Veteran striker Jamie Vardy joins Burnley
By AP, September 7, 2026Former England international Jamie Vardy has joined Burnley on a contract running until the end of the current season, marking his return to English football after a spell in Italy.
The 39-year-old striker became a free agent after leaving Serie A side Cremonese at the end of last season. Burnley confirmed the move on Sunday, September 6, as the experienced forward begins a new chapter with the Championship club.
Vardy arrives at Turf Moor with an impressive career behind him. He is best known for his remarkable 13-year spell with Leicester City, where he became one of the club’s greatest-ever players and played a key role in their historic Premier League title triumph in 2016.
His rise to the top of English football was particularly notable because he began his senior career in non-League football before eventually reaching the Premier League. With Leicester, he made 500 appearances and scored 200 goals, while also helping the club win the FA Cup in 2021.
Vardy left Leicester in 2025 after the club were relegated from the Premier League and subsequently moved to Italy to join Cremonese. During his season in Serie A, he scored seven goals in 29 appearances.
His move to Burnley now gives him another opportunity to compete in English football. Burnley were relegated from the Premier League last season and have endured a difficult start to their Championship campaign.
Burnley head coach Nicky Hayen welcomed the experienced striker, highlighting what he believes Vardy can bring to the squad.
“His experience and leadership will be invaluable to our squad, and we believe he can make a significant impact on our campaign,” Hayen said. “Jamie has a proven track record, and we are looking forward to seeing him in a Claret shirt.”
Vardy, meanwhile, said he was excited about joining Burnley and praised the club’s history and supporters.
“This club has a proper footballing history and passionate fans who deserve a team that represents them and their town,” Vardy said. “I can’t wait to get going on the pitch and help the team move in the right direction.”
The veteran striker will now look to use his experience and goalscoring ability to help Burnley improve their fortunes and push in the right direction during the remainder of the season.
His return also adds another chapter to a career that has already included a Premier League title, an FA Cup triumph and an England international career.
At 39, Vardy has made it clear that he is not yet ready to walk away from professional football, with Burnley becoming the latest club in his remarkable journey from non-League football to the top level of the English game.