Durham Women FC have confirmed the signing of Scottish international forward Abbi Grant.
The 28-year-old joins the Blues following a spell playing in Greece’s top flight with Panathinaikos, and becomes the club’s first signing of the summer ahead of the 2024/25 Barclays Women’s Championship season.
Grant has represented the likes of Glasgow City, Celtic, Anderlecht, Birmingham City and Leicester City during a trophy-laden career and is comfortable playing anywhere across the forward line.
Having cut her teeth with Rangers, Grant made her breakthrough with Forfar Farmington where a return of 11 goals in 34 games drew attention from perennial title winners Glasgow City.
She continued to flourish with City, helping them to the Scottish top flight title in both 2014 and 2015 as well as two Scottish Cup triumphs and one Scottish League Cup before spending time with Celtic and Hibernian.
Grant returned to Glasgow City in 2017, playing a crucial role in two further title wins while also playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League – becoming one of only a select number of players to score a hat-trick in the prestigious competition when she netted a treble against BIIK Kazygurt in 2017.
A spell with Belgian giants Anderlecht followed where the forward’s fine form drew interest from the English top flight and Birmingham City.
Grant spent two years in the second city playing in the Barclays Women’s Super League before joining Leicester City where she gained more experience of England’s elite game.
A brief loan spell back at Glasgow City then preceded her move to Greece, where Grant played her part in helping Panathinaikos to a third place finish in the country’s top division.
The forward has been a regular in the Scottish national team throughout the age groups and has made seven senior appearances for her nation, scoring twice.
And having become Durham’s first summer signing, Grant is ready to hit the ground running at Maiden Castle.
“I’m delighted to be here,” she said.
“I’m excited for pre-season already and I can’t wait to meet all the girls.
“It’s been a crazy few days with a lot of travelling but I was keen to get down and get the deal done as quickly as possible.
“Durham has been a massive club and I’ve always admired them – so to now say I’m a player here is pretty crazy and it’s a great feeling.
“Playing in the Championship has been an ambition of mine and I felt like after the conversations this was the right place to get the best out of me and the environment to play my best football.”
Abbi will wear the number 11 shirt for Durham.
The deal remains subject to international clearance and the approval of all paperwork.
With thanks to Durham WFC
