Jamie Vardy could make stunning return to English football with Championship club

Aug 10, 2026 - 13:15

West Ham have inquired about Jamie Vardy as they bid to bolster their attack ahead of the new Championship season.

The 39-year-old is a free agent having left Cremonese following their relegation from Serie A last season.

Jamie Vardy wearing Leicester City's kit — Vardy was training back at Leicester, but only temporarily

The Hammers are targeting an immediate return to the Premier League following their own fall to the second tier.

The east London outfit made a winning start to the 2026/27 campaign as they beat Portsmouth in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday, with Taty Castellanos scoring twice.

Nuno Espírito Santo remins keen on adding another striker to his ranks as the Hammers prepare for their league opener against Burnley this Sunday.

Concerns persist at the London stadium regarding attacking depth, with Pablo still waiting to score his first goal for the team following his £21m arrival from Gil Vicente in January.

Additionally, Niclas Fullkrug has returned from his loan spell with AC Milan but has been left without a squad number.

Their biggest coup is keeping hold of Jarrod Bowen – though talkSPORT understands he can leave next summer for £15m should they fail to get promoted.

Jamie Vardy to West Ham

As a result, West Ham are interested in Vardy, who is available on a free transfer after scoring seven Serie A goals for Cremonese.

talkSPORT understands Vardy is assessing all options with a number of clubs enquiring over his availability.

He was back training at League One Leicester, but there was never a possibility of a return to his former club.

Vardy had the option of an extra year in Italy, but it was subject to securing safety, and that never happened.

Those close to Vardy have said he has several options, including some from the MLS, and he is assessing his next steps.

Meanwhile, Manor Solomon is expected to complete his transfer to West Ham from Tottenham on Monday.

Manor Solomon in action against Sydney FC — Solomon has been a key player for Tottenham during pre-season so far

West Ham are closing in on a permanent signing for the winger in a move worth £5m up front.

During the transfer window, Nuno’s side have already secured the signing of defender Joel Veltman, alongside Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid on loan.

Additionally, the east London club have been pursuing AZ Alkmaar forward Troy Parrott; however, the Ireland international would require a substantial transfer fee.