Jamie Vardy Could Make Sensational Return to English Football with Championship Side

West Ham United have made an enquiry about veteran striker Jamie Vardy as they continue searching for another attacking option ahead of their first Championship campaign in 2026/27.

The 39-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Cremonese, who were relegated from Serie A last season. Vardy scored seven league goals during his time in Italy and is now considering several possibilities for the next stage of his career.

West Ham are determined to bounce straight back to the Premier League after suffering relegation last season. Nuno Espírito Santo has already overseen a positive start to the new campaign, with the Hammers defeating Portsmouth 3-1 in the opening round of the Carabao Cup, thanks in part to a brace from Taty Castellanos.

However, the manager remains keen to strengthen his forward line before the Championship season gets underway, with Burnley awaiting West Ham in their league opener.

Attacking depth remains a concern at the London Stadium. Pablo has yet to find the net since arriving from Gil Vicente for £21 million in January, while Niclas Füllkrug has returned from his loan spell at AC Milan but currently does not have a squad number.

One of West Ham’s biggest successes this summer has been retaining captain Jarrod Bowen. However, talkSPORT reports that Bowen could leave next summer for £15 million if the club fails to secure promotion.

West Ham consider Vardy move

Those concerns have prompted West Ham to explore the possibility of signing Vardy on a free transfer.

The former Leicester City striker is assessing his options after leaving Cremonese, with several clubs understood to have shown interest. His seven-goal return in Serie A has ensured there is still considerable demand for the experienced forward.

Vardy has been training with Leicester but a return to the club was never seriously considered. He had an additional year available on his Cremonese contract, but that option depended on the club retaining their Serie A status, which ultimately did not happen.

People close to Vardy say he has several possibilities to consider, including interest from Major League Soccer, meaning the veteran has yet to decide where he will continue his career.

West Ham are also close to completing a permanent deal for Tottenham winger Manor Solomon, with the transfer expected to cost around £5 million initially.

The Hammers have already added defender Joel Veltman and Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid during the summer, while they have also explored a move for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott. However, signing the Republic of Ireland international would require a significant transfer fee.

What Vardy could offer West Ham

Vardy would bring a wealth of experience to a West Ham squad aiming for promotion. The striker has already proved himself in the Championship and has twice helped teams earn promotion from the second tier.

His reputation was established at Leicester City, where he became one of the most recognisable strikers in English football. His greatest achievement came in 2016 when he played a key role in Leicester’s remarkable Premier League title triumph.

At 39, Vardy is no longer the player he was during his peak years, but his experience, movement and goalscoring ability could make him an attractive short-term option for a West Ham side determined to return to the top flight at the first attempt.