Burnley have officially signed striker Jamie Vardy and are preparing for a Championship match against Middlesbrough. The club, currently 24th in the table with just two points from five games, announced the one-year deal for the 39-year-old free agent this week.

What does Jamie Vardy bring to Burnley?

Jamie Vardy joins Burnley as a free agent after his contract with Italian side Cremonese ended. The veteran forward is expected to provide experience and a proven goal threat to a squad that has scored only six times this season while conceding twelve. Manager Nicky Hayen told the club's website that Vardy's "experience and leadership will be invaluable to our squad."

Vardy himself stated he is "really happy to now be here at Burnley." He added, "This club has a proper footballing history and passionate fans who deserve a team that represents them and their town." His arrival comes as Burnley look to close a nine-point gap to league leaders Swansea City. Fans can view the updated squad list following this signing.

How is Burnley lining up against Middlesbrough?

Burnley host Middlesbrough at Turf Moor in a Championship fixture. Manager Nicky Hayen is likely to adjust his defense, which has allowed nine goals in the last three league matches. The predicted lineup includes Max Weiss in goal, with a back four of Kyle Walker, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Max Alleyne, and Connor Roberts.

In midfield, Hannibal Mejbri and Aaron Ramsey could start, supporting an attack featuring Jacob Bruun Larsen, Marcus Edwards, and Dastan Satpaev. Jeremy Sarmiento is tipped to lead the line. The team will be without the suspended Josh Laurent and the injured Josh Cullen. The full fixtures schedule shows this is a key match before a trip to face Swansea on September 12th.

Where can fans watch the Middlesbrough match?

The Championship clash against Middlesbrough kicks off at 8 pm BST on Wednesday. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, and the NOW streaming service. International broadcast details are extensive, covering numerous regions.

In the United States, the game is available on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo. Canadian fans can watch via DAZN or fuboTV Canada, while beIN Sports holds the rights in Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. A full list of global start times and channels is available.

What is Burnley's current league situation?

Burnley's start to the 2026-27 Championship season has been difficult. Verified data shows the team is in 24th place, having taken two points from a possible fifteen. Their record stands at zero wins, two draws, and three losses, with a recent form guide reading LDLLD.

The team has a goal difference of minus six, having scored six and conceded twelve. This leaves them nine points behind current leaders Swansea City, who they are scheduled to play next in an away fixture on September 12th. The current standings reflect the size of the challenge facing Hayen's squad.

Vardy's signing is a direct response to this poor form. He scored seven goals in 29 appearances for Cremonese last season and brings a wealth of experience from his 13 years at Leicester City, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup. Burnley's next match is against Swansea City on September 12th.