Sydney FC have secured a major boost to their A-League Men’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 season, with experienced central defender Alex Grant signing a new two-year contract.
The 31-year-old joined the Sky Blues in January on a short-term deal and has now committed his future to the club after an impressive stint in the heart of defence.
Grant, who has a wealth of experience both in the A-League and abroad, played in the AFC Champions League Final for South Korean giants Pohang Steelers and was called into the Socceroos squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers as recently as March this year.
He said he was excited to continue his journey with Sydney FC and is aiming to help the club return to the top.
“I’m delighted to be here signing an extension with the club and I’m confident we can bring success back which is what this club deserves,” Grant said.
“I’ve been here four months and have really enjoyed my time. It ticks a lot of boxes for my family and my two boys as we’ve been moving around over the past five years.
“It’s nice to have a bit of stability and really focus on doing my job, as well as feel part of an environment where I feel wanted.
“I think we’ve got a good playing group that can deliver and under the guidance of Uffy [Head Coach Ufuk Talay], bring success.
“Sydney FC have been so successful and those are the standards we’ve got to set leading into the season.
“It would be good to get some silverware early and win the [Australia] Cup to get the ball rolling.
“That’s the goal from talking to Uffy to get silverware which would be a great start.”
Head Coach Ufuk Talay said Grant’s re-signing is a significant coup for the club.
“Alex brings fantastic strength, leadership and composure to our backline and it’s a huge boost to have him locked in,” Talay said.
“He’s a former A-League Premiers Plate winner, he’s played in a Champions League Final, and he was part of the national team set-up only a few months ago – that kind of experience is invaluable.
“There was plenty of interest from other clubs when they heard he was available, so I’m absolutely delighted he’s chosen to commit to our project.
“He believes in the direction we’re heading, and I think he’s going to play a big role in what we want to achieve over the next two years.”
Grant joins promising young goalkeeper Gus Hoefsloot in re-signing with the Sky Blues, as the club continues to build its squad for the upcoming campaign. Further announcements are expected in the coming days.
Born in England but raised in Western Australia, Grant began his professional career with Portsmouth before moving to Stoke City in the English Premier League and onto Macclesfield Town.
He then returned to the A-League with Perth Glory. He was part of Glory’s 2018/19 squad which won the Premiers Plate and later moved to Pohang Steelers in Korea, where he enjoyed three successful seasons, including reaching the 2021 AFC Champions League Final.
