Jamie Vardy to fight with Nigerian star for Serie A starting spot

Jamie Vardy’s fairy-tale career has taken another twist, as the former Leicester City hero is set to embark on his first adventure outside of England with a move to Serie A newcomers Cremonese.

At 38 years old, the veteran striker is preparing to fight for a starting spot against Nigerian forward David Okereke.

Cremonese have confirmed a full agreement to bring in Jamie Vardy on a free transfer after he ended his 13-year stay with Leicester City earlier this summer.

The move is expected to be finalised once Vardy flies to Milan for his medical and signs an initial one-year contract, with the option to extend for another season.

For Vardy, this represents the first chapter of his career away from English football, a journey that began humbly with Stocksbridge Park Steels before he rose through Halifax, Fleetwood, and finally Leicester.

His legacy at the King Power Stadium is cemented by that miraculous 2015/16 Premier League triumph under Claudio Ranieri, where he famously fired Leicester to the title against 5000/1 odds.

Now, Serie A fans are about to see the relentless energy and goal-scoring hunger that made him one of the most feared forwards in England.

Cremonese’s strong start to life in Serie A has turned heads, with wins over Milan and Sassuolo placing them near the summit of the league table.

But Vardy’s arrival raises intriguing questions for the attack, as he will directly compete with Nigerian striker David Okereke for a starting role.

The 27-year-old Okereke has been a key figure for Cremonese since joining in 2022, but with three league appearances this season and no goals yet, his place is under threat.

Vardy’s experience and clinical finishing could tilt the balance, though Okereke’s athleticism, work rate, and Serie A familiarity remain vital assets.