Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy faces a survival scrap in Italy following a surprise free transfer move to Cremonese last summer
After 13 seasons, 500 appearances, and a historic 200 goals for Leicester City, Jamie Vardy made the shocking decision to move abroad following the expiration of his contract in the summer of 2025.
Currently, Vardy is plying his trade with Serie A side Cremonese, where the romanticism of an Italian adventure has been met with the harsh reality of a relegation scrap.
Settled near the scenic banks of Lake Garda, the Vardy family has embraced a significantly different lifestyle.
While the move offered a fresh cultural chapter for the striker and his wife, Rebekah Vardy, the transition has not been without its hurdles, including adapting to a new language and a vastly different defensive tactical setup in the Italian top flight.
Despite the off-field adjustments, Vardy’s presence in Cremona has turned the local Stadio Giovanni Zini into a minor pilgrimage site for traveling Leicester supporters who still fly out to see their hero in action.
Jamie Vardy transfer: Surprise move to Cremonese
Vardy’s departure from the King Power Stadium marked the end of perhaps the greatest “rags-to-riches” story in the history of the Premier League.
As a free agent in September 2025, he was heavily linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League and various MLS franchises, but he ultimately opted for the competitive challenge of Serie A.
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He signed a one-year deal with Cremonese that runs until June 2026, which includes a performance-based option to extend for another season should the club maintain its top-flight status.
In February 2026, rumours surfaced regarding a potential return to English football, with former teammate Christian Fuchs, now coaching at Newport County, admitting he had jokingly reached out to see if Vardy would consider a move to League Two.
“I did call Jamie, but it was more of a joke,” he told Sky Sports. “I knew the answer before I dialled. It was a short conversation and we quickly moved on!
“Of course, there are great memories from my time at Leicester City, but my full focus is on the players we have here. They have my complete trust. The recent home form, eight points from five games, shows that something positive is building.”
Vardy remains committed to the project in Italy, focused entirely on the survival of the Lombardy-based club.
Jamie Vardy stats: scoring form in the 2025/26 campaign
While the explosive pace of his youth has naturally diminished, Vardy’s poacher’s instincts remain sharp, as the former England international has registered five goals and one assist in 24 Serie A appearances.
The team’s recent form has been difficult, with Vardy featuring in a string of tough losses against giants such as Inter, Milan and Roma.
In his most recent outing on March 8, he played 45 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to Lecce, a result that leaves Cremonese sitting precariously just above the relegation zone.