At 39, Jamie Vardy has returned to English soccer—and is expected to help prevent Burnley FC from falling into the third division following its relegation from the Premier League.
Things have been quiet around Jamie Vardy since last season. After 13 years with Leicester City, the popular forward joined a foreign club for the first time in September 2025. Vardy won over the hearts of fans at US Cremonese, but despite scoring seven goals in 29 Serie A matches, he was unable to prevent the team’s relegation.
His contract then expired on June 30. And now? Almost exactly one year to the day after the Cremona deal, Vardy decided to embark on his next “rescue mission.” The now 39-year-old is joining FC Burnley, currently at the bottom of the Championship.
Burnley was relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season, finishing second-to-last, and could hardly have gotten off to a worse start in the new second-division season. Burnley failed to win any of its first five league matches and is, in fact, at the bottom of the table with two points.
The offense, in particular, needed a boost, having scored just six goals in five games. And that’s exactly what Vardy is expected to provide, as he joins the Clarets with a track record of 342 Premier League appearances and 145 goals. Vardy is also familiar with the Championship, as evidenced by his 98 games, 38 goals, and 16 assists.
“We’re very excited to welcome Jamie to Burnley FC,” head coach Nicky Hayen is quoted as saying on the club’s website: “His experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable to our squad, and we’re confident he can make a decisive contribution to our season. Jamie has already proven himself time and again.”
Vardy set the tone right away for his next professional stint in England: “This club has a rich soccer history and passionate fans who deserve a team that represents them and their city.” Reading between the lines, it’s clear that the team’s performance so far this season hasn’t necessarily lived up to that standard. “I can’t wait to get out on the field and help the team get back on track,” he announced.
He may make his debut as early as Tuesday night, when the team faces a tough away match against AFC Wrexham.
