Sydney FC hold onto key defender amid significant interest from rival clubs.

Sydney FC have made a significant move by re-signing centre-back Alex Grant, bolstering their squad as they prepare for the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Grant has secured a new two-year deal with the Sky Blues following his arrival in the Harbour City on a short-term contract that was set to expire at the end of the current season.

After receiving “considerable interest” from other clubs, the 31-year-old defender has chosen to remain with Sydney FC, particularly after earning a call-up to the Subway Socceroos for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March.

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“I’m thrilled to extend my stay with the club, and I truly believe we can restore the success that Sydney FC is accustomed to,” stated Grant.

“In the four months I’ve been here, I’ve genuinely enjoyed every moment. It’s a great fit for my family and my two boys as we’ve relocated quite a bit over the last five years.

“It’s refreshing to have some stability which allows me to focus on my responsibilities while feeling welcomed in this environment.”

“We have a talented squad capable of achieving great things, and with Uffy [Head Coach Ufuk Talay] at the helm, I’m confident we can find success.”

“Sydney FC has a rich history of success, and we must uphold those standards as we head into the new season.”

“It would be fantastic to secure some silverware early, particularly the [Australia] Cup, to set the tone for the season. That’s the goal we discussed with Uffy—bringing home silverware would be a tremendous way to kick things off.”

Grant, who previously played in the AFC Champions League Final with South Korean club Pohang Steelers, made four appearances for Sydney FC in the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League, as the team narrowly missed out on a finals berth.

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The former Perth Glory defender also competed three times in the AFC Champions League Two, leading to a historic semi-final run for the Sky Blues.

Joining Grant in re-signing with the Sky Blues is promising young goalkeeper Gus Hoefsloot, alongside head coach Ufuk Talay, who has been secured for another season.

“Alex provides exceptional strength, leadership, and composure at the back, and it’s a tremendous advantage to have him onboard,” Talay remarked.

“He’s a former A-League Premiers Plate winner, has played in a Champions League Final, and was recently part of the national team setup—his level of experience is invaluable.”

“There was significant interest from other clubs once they discovered he was available, so I’m over the moon that he’s chosen to stay and be a part of our project.”

“He believes in the direction we’re heading, and I anticipate he will play an integral role in our ambitions over the next two years.”