West Ham United are considering a surprise move for veteran striker Jamie Vardy as they search for attacking reinforcements before the summer transfer window closes.
The 39-year-old is currently a free agent following the end of his spell with Italian side Cremonese, making him available without a transfer fee.
West Ham are monitoring Vardy’s situation while assessing potential striker targets during the final weeks of the window.
Vardy spent the 2025/26 campaign in Italy after joining Cremonese following the end of his remarkable 13-year spell with Leicester City.
Despite Cremonese suffering relegation from Serie A, the former England international still demonstrated his ability in front of goal.
Vardy finished the league campaign with seven goals and two assists from 29 Serie A appearances.
His availability has now attracted attention back in England, with West Ham among the clubs considering whether the experienced striker could strengthen their attack. Reports on Monday confirmed the Hammers are keeping tabs on the free agent.
Vardy has previously indicated that he remains open to returning to English football after his year in Italy. His move abroad followed one of the most memorable individual careers in modern English football.
He joined Leicester from Fleetwood Town in 2012 and went on to become one of the defining figures of the club’s extraordinary rise.
Vardy was instrumental when Leicester stunned world football by winning the Premier League title in 2015/16. He remained with the Foxes through their subsequent highs and lows, including helping them win promotion back to the Premier League before eventually leaving in 2025.
A move to West Ham would provide Vardy with another opportunity in English football at the age of 39, while giving the Hammers a proven and vastly experienced goalscorer without having to pay a transfer fee.
No agreement has been reached, however, and West Ham’s interest remains at the monitoring stage as they consider their options before the window shuts.
