Jamie Vardy offered contract by South American big club – future takes a completely unexpected turn

Former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is still without a club after his contract at Cremonese expired in the summer. Now the 39-year-old could be on his way to South America – after a surprising offer from one of Brazil’s biggest clubs.

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Vardy left Cremonese in June after one season in Italy, where he scored seven goals in 29 appearances. Unfortunately, he was unable to save the club from relegation to Serie B. Many thought the 2025/26 season would be his last before retirement, but the veteran is far from finished.

Sheffield Wednesday want him – but Brazil are tempting

A return to his childhood club Sheffield Wednesday has long been a topic. Owls chairman David Storch recently hinted that they would like to have Vardy back – 24 years after they let him go.

“At some point, I will be able to tell a story,” Storch told talkSPORT.

“Let’s just say he would be a player we would be thrilled to have. Unfortunately, we have these restrictions. We try to figure out how to work around them to put something in front of Jamie that makes sense to him.

West Ham, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, have also been linked with Vardy. At the same time, he has dismissed all speculation about a surprise return to Leicester.

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But now a completely new name is emerging: São Paulo.

São Paulo has been in touch

According to ESPN Brazil, the Brazilian giants have contacted Vardy – and they see his availability as a unique market opportunity.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed his interest on social media:

– São Paulo has contacted Jamie Vardy to sign him as a free agent! A surprising move by the Brazilian team to tempt the Leicester legend. Vardy is considering several options, and a final decision has not yet been made.

The club is not worried about Vardy’s physical form, and the management should be very impressed with the striker’s attitude and winning mentality.

Vardy on the future: “I live in the moment”

In an interview with Untold UK earlier this year, Vardy explained how he thinks about the final phase of his career:

“Physically and mentally, football is a destroyer – it’s so the body and mind. So I just want to forget about it completely. Of course I love it. If I didn’t still love it, I wouldn’t still be playing.

“Luckily for these boys [patting both legs], they still say they’re fine. Do I see life after football? Management? No. I have never thought so far ahead. I’m very much a person who wants to get the day done, go to bed and see what tomorrow brings. I always have been, which annoys some people I know.

What now for Vardy?

Should Vardy accept São Paulo, he will arrive in the middle of the Brazilian season – the club is currently in 12th place in the top flight after 22 games.

It would be a sensational end to a career that has already had it all: Premier League gold, FA Cup title and a transition from non-league to legend. Now he could be the next big European star to try shelter in South America.