Jamie Vardy’s Italian adventure is coming to an end.
The former Leicester City striker will leave Cremonese as a free agent this summer after the club’s relegation from Serie A. Vardy signed a one-year deal following his departure from Leicester in 2025, with an option for an additional season if Cremonese stayed up. Relegation has now triggered his exit.
Table of Contents
Key Details At A Glance
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 39-year-old will depart when his contract expires on June 30 and is expected to return to English football.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Entity | Jamie Vardy |
| Secondary Entity | Cremonese |
| Contract Status | Expires June 30, 2026 |
| Age | 39 |
| Time At Cremonese | One season |
| Serie A Appearances | 29 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Minutes Played | 2,108 |
| Cremonese Finish | Relegated |
| Linked Clubs | Sheffield Wednesday, Leicester, Rangers, Celtic, Wrexham |
The Relegation That Ended The Story
Cremonese entered the final day needing a victory over Como and a favour elsewhere to survive.
Neither happened.
The club suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat, while Lecce secured the result they needed to remain in Serie A. Matters became even worse when Milan Djuric, Alberto Grassi and David Okereke were all sent off within a minute following protests over a controversial penalty decision.
The result confirmed Cremonese’s immediate return to Serie B and effectively ended Vardy’s stay in Italy.
Cremonese’s 2025-26 Season
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Final Position | Relegated |
| Record | 8W, 10D, 20L |
| Points | 34 |
| Final-Day Result | Cremonese 1-4 Como |
Vardy’s Contribution In A Difficult Campaign
While Cremonese struggled collectively, Vardy produced several important moments throughout the season.
The veteran striker scored seven goals and added three assists in 29 Serie A appearances, accumulating 2,108 minutes across the campaign.
His goals against teams such as Udinese, Pisa and Juventus briefly gave Cremonese hope of survival, while his movement, pressing and finishing remained impressive for a player approaching his 40th birthday.
Vardy’s 2025-26 Cremonese Statistics
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 29 | 7 | 3 | 2,108 |
Italian observers widely praised Vardy’s professionalism and influence throughout the season, arguing that Cremonese’s relegation reflected wider squad issues rather than the performance of their marquee striker.
Why Vardy Chose Italy
Vardy arrived in Serie A after ending one of the greatest careers in Leicester City history.
His final season at Leicester included his 200th goal in his 500th appearance for the club, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 13-year spell that transformed both player and club.
Rather than retire, Vardy chose one final challenge abroad.
The move to Cremonese offered him the opportunity to experience a new league while proving he could still compete at the highest level.
The Leicester Legacy
Few players leave behind a legacy comparable to Vardy’s at Leicester.
From a £1 million signing out of non-league football, he became a Premier League champion, England international and club legend.
Vardy’s Leicester Career
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 500 |
| Goals | 200 |
| Premier League Goals | 145 |
| Premier League Assists | 50 |
| Premier League Apps | 342 |
| Major Honours | Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield, Championship (x2) |
His role in Leicester’s astonishing 2015-16 Premier League title triumph remains one of football’s greatest underdog stories.
From Factory Worker To Football Icon
Vardy’s career path remains unique in modern football.
Released by Sheffield Wednesday as a teenager, he worked in a factory while playing non-league football before climbing through the English pyramid.
Career Timeline
| Years | Club | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Stocksbridge Park Steels | Non-league football |
| 2010–2011 | Halifax Town | Breakthrough years |
| 2011–2012 | Fleetwood Town | Earned Leicester move |
| 2012–2025 | Leicester City | 500 appearances, 200 goals, Premier League title |
| 2025–2026 | Cremonese | Serie A spell; 7 goals |
| 2026– | Free Agent | Next move pending |
He also earned 27 England caps and established himself as one of the most unlikely success stories in the history of the English game.
Vardy Has No Plans To Retire
Despite approaching 40, Vardy insists retirement is not yet on his mind.
“While my legs are still saying they’re fine, I’ll carry on.”
The striker has repeatedly stated that he wants to continue playing for as long as physically possible before eventually focusing on family life.
Where Could Vardy Go Next?
Interest in Vardy remains strong despite his age.
Several clubs in England and Scotland have been linked with a move, while reports suggest some Premier League teams are also monitoring his situation.
Betting Odds To Sign Vardy
| Club | League | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Sheffield Wednesday | League One | 8/13 |
| Leicester City | League One | Evens |
| Rangers | Scottish Premiership | 2/1 |
| Celtic | Scottish Premiership | 11/4 |
| Wrexham | Championship | 8/1 |
Why Sheffield Wednesday Makes Sense
The strongest storyline is a return to Sheffield Wednesday.
The club released Vardy at 16 before his rise through non-league football and eventual Premier League glory. Returning to Hillsborough nearly 25 years later as a Premier League champion and Leicester legend would complete one of football’s most remarkable full-circle stories.
What Next For Cremonese?
Cremonese must now rebuild for life in Serie B without the striker who served as the face of their survival fight.
Replacing Vardy’s experience, leadership and goals will be one of the club’s biggest challenges heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Read More: Alexia Putellas Leaves Barcelona After 14 Years, 38 Trophies as Contract Expires This Summer
FAQs
Why is Jamie Vardy leaving Cremonese?
His contract included an extension clause that depended on Cremonese avoiding relegation. After the club went down, he decided to leave as a free agent.
How many goals did Vardy score for Cremonese?
He scored seven goals and provided three assists in 29 Serie A appearances.
Is Vardy retiring?
No. The striker has stated that he intends to keep playing while he still feels physically capable.
Which club is favourite to sign Vardy?
Sheffield Wednesday are currently the betting favourites.
How many goals did Vardy score for Leicester?
He scored 200 goals in 500 appearances and won the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and two Championship titles.
