Fernando Forestieri, a former Sheffield Wednesday and Watford forward, is looking to return to English football this summer, stating that he wants to play in the Championship again but is also open to League One.

The 36-year-old is still a free agent heading into the 2026-27 season after leaving Cypriot club AEL Limassol, although he hopes to return to England after spending time in Malaysia and Italy after leaving the Owls.

Forestieri participated in the PFA’s pre-season training camp, which is a fully-funded 12-week residential course in Leicestershire meant to emulate elite club preparations and assist free agents in maintaining fitness and finding new clubs.

So far, the Italian has yet to find a new home, but he has set lofty goals for the kind of football he wants to play back in England, which could entice some possible suitors given the forward’s continued confidence in his game.

Fernando Forestieri drops a future update.

Fernando Forestieri, who spent eight years in England with Watford and Sheffield Wednesday between 2012 and 2020, spoke with the PFA and posted on their official X account about his desire to return to the Championship this season, but has also stated that he is open to dropping down to League One if an offer becomes available.

Fernando Forestieri’s statistics for Sheffield Wednesday and Watford.

Sheffield Wednesday

Watford

Appearances: 134 92 Goals: 40 21 Assists: 17 23

Forestieri stated, “At the moment, training at home and in the gym is not the same, because you have the coach, fitness coach, physios, and an amazing group to train with, so that is the next level to push you to stay fit, so it’s very nice to be here.”

“It’s my first time (at the PFA), but it’s not the end of the world because I adapt to every situation. For me, it’s good, it’s a new experience, and it’s nice to train, so let’s see if I can find something.

“I’m feeling well. I know I can push myself to be at the highest level, Championship and League One.

“For me, the target is the Championship, but any league is fine, just to play because I miss playing here, and it doesn’t matter the league, so whatever comes, I’m ready.”

How Sheffield Wednesday fans have responded to Fernando Forestieri’s future update.

Fernando Forestieri may have to settle with a League One move.

While Fernando Forestieri hopes to return to the Championship this season, it is tough to imagine a club interested in signing him.

Forestieri, 36, has only scored five goals in the last two seasons, and the levels in Malaysia and Cyprus are nothing like those experienced by players in England.

While he has extensive Championship experience, having made over 200 appearances in his career, his age and lack of goalscoring prowess in recent years may be enough to deter second-tier sides, but a few League One clubs may be tempted to offer him a route back into English football before the 1st September deadline.

Forestieri may have to be patient and wait until the conclusion of the transfer window as clubs hunt for players to improve various departments, but his experience in the English game could be the determining factor in him finding a club and returning to a nation he adores.