Stoke City have made an excellent start to the Championship season, winning all three of their opening games and scoring a whopping eight goals in the process.
Their goalkeeping department looks well set for now, as Viktor Johansson, who is arguably the best goalkeeper in the second tier, is their number one. The Potters have now made another signing, which will strengthen their goalkeeping department in the long run.
England Youth International Joins Stoke City
Former Manchester City youngster True Grant has arrived at the bet365 Stadium on a three-year contract, the club have announced via their official website.
The 19-year-old has spent a considerable amount of time in the notoriously successful Manchester City academy. He has been part of City teams that have won the under-18 Premier League, the Premier League 2 and the FA Youth Cup.
Grant has also won caps for England from under-15 to under-19 level, and he has played 11 games for his country overall.
Last season saw the Manchester-born man make his first appearances in men’s football as he went out on loan to the National League North with Buxton United.
The shot-stopper cemented himself as the Bucks’ first-choice goalkeeper, playing 40 times in the sixth tier. During this time, he conceded just 48 goals and kept 10 clean sheets as Buxton reached the playoffs.
Will Grant Play For Stoke City Immediately?
Potters fans should not expect to see too much of Grant in the immediate future despite his early-career successes.
The step up in quality from the National League North to the Championship is insurmountable, and the 19-year-old definitely needs a loan move to a Football League club in order to gain experience in professional football.
He will be hoping to emulate the success of goalkeepers like Wyll Stanway, Harry Tyrer and Daniel Grimshaw, who all dropped into the sixth tier in search of regular game time but have since gone on to perform well in the EFL.
However, Grant will face fierce competition for the long-term number one shirt at Stoke from Tommy Simkin.
Despite being just one year older than the Potters’ newest signing, Simkin already has a full season in League Two under his belt and he is on loan in League One with Leyton Orient this campaign.
For now, it is most important that Grant is put in an environment where he can grow his confidence and develop as a player.