Ten years after he scored the goals that turned Leicester into the most improbable champions in Premier League history, Vardy is starting again in the second tier.
The 39-year-old signed a one-year deal with Burnley on Sunday, and the club confirmed the free transfer on its official channels. It runs to the end of the 2026-27 season.
Burnley, relegated from the Premier League last season, are currently bottom of the Championship without a win from their opening five matches. Vardy walks straight into a rebuild.
“A proper footballing history”
In his first words as a Burnley player, Vardy leaned on the club’s identity.
“I’m really happy to now be here at Burnley FC. This club has a proper footballing history and passionate fans who deserve a team that represents them and their town. I can’t wait to get going on the pitch and help the team move in the right direction.”
The “right direction” line is the one Burnley are hanging their signing on. It is also the mission every senior player at Turf Moor has been handed this autumn, with the Clarets sitting on two points from a possible fifteen.
From Leicester legend to Serie A and back
Vardy spent 13 seasons at Leicester, scoring 200 goals in 500 competitive appearances and winning the Premier League in 2015-16 and the FA Cup in 2020-21.
He left the King Power Stadium as a free agent after Leicester were relegated from the Premier League, and joined Serie A newcomers Cremonese last year, as Goal.com reported at the time of the Italian move.
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His single season in Italy brought seven goals in 28 appearances, but Cremonese were relegated and his contract was not renewed. Burnley moved quickly once he became available again.
Hayen: “A significant impact on our campaign”
Head coach Nicky Hayen, appointed by Burnley in July on a three-year contract, framed the signing as a leadership move as much as a goal-scoring one.
“We are delighted to welcome Jamie to Burnley FC. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to our squad, and we believe he can make a significant impact on our campaign. Jamie has a proven track record, and we are looking forward to seeing him in a Claret shirt.”
Vardy joins a dressing room that already features 36-year-old former Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker, giving the Belgian coach two of the most experienced English players outside the Premier League.
Burnley’s next fixture is at home to Wrexham.
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