Burnley have confirmed the signing of veteran striker Jamie Vardy on a free transfer, with the former Leicester and England forward putting pen to paper on a deal that runs until the end of the season. The 39-year-old becomes a free agent arrival after leaving Italian club Cremonese, following their relegation from Serie A last season.
Vardy's move comes at a difficult time for Burnley, who were themselves relegated from the Premier League last term and currently sit bottom of the Championship without a win from their opening five matches. His signing also helps address a gap left up front following Zian Flemming's deadline-day departure to Ipswich Town last week.
During his single season in Italy, Vardy scored seven goals and added three assists in 29 appearances for Cremonese. His arrival at Turf Moor ends weeks of speculation over his next move, having also been linked with Wrexham, Sheffield Wednesday, Everton and Brazilian side Sao Paulo before opting for Burnley.
Burnley head coach Nicky Hayen welcomed the signing, describing Vardy's experience and leadership as invaluable to the squad and expressing belief that he can make a real impact on the campaign, calling his track record proven and adding that the club is looking forward to seeing him in Claret colours.
Vardy struck a similarly positive tone in his own comments, saying he was genuinely happy to now be at Burnley, praising the club's footballing history and its passionate supporters, and adding that he was eager to get started on the pitch and help push the team in the right direction.
The move marks a return to English football for a player who remains best known for his role in Leicester City's remarkable Premier League title win in 2015-16. Vardy scored 200 goals for the Foxes across a 13-year spell at the club, having originally arrived from non-league side Fleetwood Town back in 2012 — a rise that began even earlier, with spells at Stocksbridge Park Steels and Halifax Town before he broke into professional football.
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