English midfielder arrives in Portugal after gaining Bundesliga experience
Sporting CP have completed the signing of English midfielder Ruby Grant from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 24-year-old joins the Portuguese club with the ambition of achieving success in green and white and becomes the latest addition to Sporting’s women’s football team.
Grant arrives with experience of football in England, Sweden, Germany and the United States, including a recent spell in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
From Arsenal to Sporting CP
Grant began her football development at Arsenal, where she was formed through the club’s academy.
She later represented West Ham United before moving abroad and gaining experience with BK Häcken in Sweden.
Her career has also included a spell with the North Carolina Tar Heels in the United States before her move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Now, she begins a new chapter in Portugal with Sporting CP.
Bundesliga Experience
Grant’s most recent European experience came with Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga.
The midfielder believes her time in Germany has helped her develop physically and tactically.
“The German league is physical, it helped me in that sense and I am very excited to be able to show the fans what I can do,” Grant said.
That experience could prove valuable as she adapts to Portuguese football.
A Creative and Attack-Minded Midfielder
Grant describes herself as a creative and attack-minded midfielder who also enjoys working hard for the team.
Her ability to contribute in different phases of the game should give Sporting another option in midfield.
Speaking about her style, Grant said she likes to be creative and attack-oriented while also putting in the work required for the team.
She will now look to bring those qualities to Sporting as she competes for a place in the midfield.
Reunited With Georgia Eaton-Collins
Grant will also have a familiar face waiting for her at Sporting.
The midfielder already knows Georgia Eaton-Collins, with the pair having shared footballing experience in the United States.
Grant described it as a positive to have someone familiar around her at the new club.
She also praised Eaton-Collins’ leadership qualities, highlighting the fact that she is Sporting’s captain.
Having a familiar teammate could help Grant settle into her new surroundings and Portuguese football.
Excited to Meet Sporting Supporters
Grant has also spoken enthusiastically about experiencing the atmosphere created by Sporting supporters.
The midfielder said she had heard positive things about the fans and was looking forward to playing in front of them for the first time.
Her focus now turns to settling into the squad and showing Sporting supporters what she can offer on the pitch.
Grant’s Career So Far
The midfielder has developed a varied footballing background.
After coming through Arsenal’s system, Grant gained experience with West Ham United before moving overseas.
Her career then took her to the United States with the North Carolina Tar Heels and to Sweden with BK Häcken.
Her most recent move to Germany with Bayer Leverkusen gave her experience of the Bundesliga before her transfer to Sporting CP.
That international experience could be valuable as she takes on another new challenge in Portugal.
Transfer Details
- Player: Ruby Grant
- Date of birth: 15 April 2002
- Age: 24
- Nationality: England
- Position: Central midfielder
- Previous club: Bayer Leverkusen
- New club: Sporting CP
- Previous clubs: Arsenal, West Ham United, BK Häcken, North Carolina Tar Heels, Bayer Leverkusen
- International: England youth international
- League experience: Bundesliga
- Status: Official
What Grant Brings to Sporting CP
Grant brings a combination of technical ability, creativity and physical experience to Sporting’s midfield.
Her time in Germany should have helped her develop an understanding of a highly physical league, while her previous experience in England, Sweden and the United States has exposed her to different styles of football.
Her versatility and attacking mentality could give Sporting another option in midfield.
At 24, she is also entering an important stage of her career, with the opportunity to establish herself as an important player in Portugal.
Transfer Tribune Verdict
Ruby Grant’s move to Sporting CP is an intriguing transfer.
The midfielder arrives after gaining experience across several different footballing environments, most recently in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
Her own description of her game as creative, attack-minded and hard-working should appeal to Sporting supporters, while her experience in Germany could add a physical dimension to the midfield.
The reunion with Georgia Eaton-Collins is another interesting element of the move and could help Grant settle quickly.
Sporting have secured a midfielder with an international background and plenty of experience for her age, and the next challenge will be seeing how she adapts to Liga BPI.
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