Sheffield Wednesday hopes dashed as West Ham, Everton and Wrexham-linked Jamie Vardy joins Burnley
Sheffield Wednesday target Jamie Vardy’s home for the 2026/27 season has been confirmed
Sheffield Wednesday target Jamie Vardy has made a surprise move to Championship strugglers Burnley.
The 39-year-old departed Italian outfit Cremonese in the summer, sparking a period of intense speculation regarding his future.
Wednesday were among those who eyed Vardy, over 20 years after releasing him from their academy.
There were also links to West Ham United, Wrexham and Everton, as well as Brazilian giants São Paulo.
Jamie Vardy finds new club
However, the second tier’s bottom side Burnley have tied the Leicester City legend to a deal running until the end of the season.
He said: “I’m really happy to now be here at Burnley FC. This club has a proper footballing history and passionate fans who deserve a team that represents them and their town.
“I can’t wait to get going on the pitch and help the team move in the right direction.”
Burnley have lost three and drawn two across their opening five games, placing them at the foot of the Championship. Pressure is firmly on the Clarets, who were relegated from the Premier League last term.
Burnley boss Nicky Hayen said: “We are delighted to welcome Jamie to Burnley FC. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to our squad, and we believe he can make a significant impact on our campaign.
“Jamie has a proven track record, and we are looking forward to seeing him in a Claret shirt.”
Sheffield Wednesday’s interest
Wednesday owner David Storch made no secret of the club’s interest in a reunion with Vardy, who climbed the pyramid in remarkable fashion after being cut loose by the Owls.
While a move to his boyhood club may have held an emotional appeal, convincing Vardy to drop into League One was never going to be an easy task.
Last month, Storch told talKSPORT: “At some point, I’ll be able to tell a story. This might not be the right time. But yeah, Jamie is somebody we would like to have in our club.
“Let’s just say he’d be someone we’d be thrilled to have on the club, and unfortunately we do have these restrictions. We’re trying to figure out how to get around the restrictions to put something in front of Jamie that would make sense for him.”