Jamie Vardy offered contract by footballing giant as future takes unexpected twist
Former England forward Jamie Vardy has reportedly been offered the chance to sign for one of South America’s biggest clubs as his search for a new club continues.
Vardy, 39, is currently a free agent after his Cremonese contract expired in June following just one year at the Italian club.
Despite seemingly enjoying his short stint in Italy, netting seven goals in 29 appearances, the Englishman could not help the side avoid relegation to Serie B.
Given his age, there were some suggestions that the 2025/26 campaign would be Vardy’s last before retirement, but this does not appear to be the case, with the veteran linked with multiple clubs, including a return to boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday.
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On August 15, Sheffield Wednesday chairman David Storch suggested the Owls would be open to Vardy returning 24 years after they released him.
“At some point, I’ll be able to tell a story,” Storch told talkSPORT.
“Let’s just say he’d be somebody that we would be thrilled to have at the club.
“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.”
There have also been reports linking Vardy with a move to Championship side West Ham United as the Hammers look to bounce back to the Premier League after suffering relegation last term, while Vardy has rejected any talk of a shock return to Leicester City.
But could he soon be playing in South America?
As reported by ESPN Brazil, Sao Paulo have made initial contact over a deal, with Vardy’s availability being treated as a market opportunity by the Brazilian club.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote on X: “São Paulo have approached Jamie Vardy to join the club as free agent! Surprise move by the Brazilian side to tempt Leicester City legend. Vardy, assessing several options with final decision on his future club not made yet.”
The player’s physical condition is not thought to be a concern, with the board impressed by the striker’s approach to the game and mentality.
If Vardy were to join Sao Paulo, he would arrive midway through their league season, with the side currently 12th in the Brazilian top flight after 22 matches.
Jamie Vardy issues retirement update
Speaking in Untold UK: Jamie Vardy earlier this year, the former Leicester City forward explained how he believes his body will tell him when the time is right to retire.
“Physically and mentally football is a killer, it’s so hard of a grind on your body and on your mind, so I just want to completely forget about it. Of course I love it. If I didn’t still love it, I wouldn’t still be playing,” he said.
“Fortunately for these boys [slaps both his legs], they’re still telling me they’re fine at the minute,” Vardy added. “Do I see life after football? Management, no. I’ve never thought that far down the line. I’m very much a ‘get today out the way, go to sleep and see what tomorrow brings’ person. I’ve always been like that, which is annoying to some people I know.”
Topics: Jamie Vardy, Transfer News
Luke Davies