Jorge Grant admits he is excited about experiencing Scottish and European football for the first time after sealing a move to Hearts.
The dynamic midfielder yesterday joined on a three-year deal, subject to international clearance, after the Gorgie outfit paid Peterborough an undisclosed fee.
Grant has linked up with Robbie Neilson’s squad on their training camp in the south of Spain and is itching to get started on what will be a memorable season for Hearts both domestically and on the continent, where they have guaranteed group stage football until Christmas.
The 27-year-old began his career at Nottingham Forest and spent time on loan at Notts County, Luton Town and Mansfield.
He moved to Lincoln City in 2019 and scored 17 goals during the 2020/21 campaign to earn a switch to the Championship with Peterborough.
Last season did not go as planned but Grant is thrilled to have made the move north of the border.
Grant said: “I’m delighted, it’s been a long time coming. It had been on the cards for four or five weeks and we finally got there and I’m very happy to be here.
“It’s something different, the challenge for me was moving away from home and expressing myself in a league that’s got amazing games that I can showcase my talents in.
“The draw of Europe is massive as well, and everybody who joins can tell that the quality is going to go up because it has to in those big games in Europe.
“I could have done the same thing that I have done all my career and stayed in League One but I thought, ‘let’s go for it’.
“I’ve done some research, I spoke to the gaffer and Joe Savage (sporting director) about the club and they told me about the history, the last few years of getting to cup finals and promotion and getting third.”
Familiar face
Grant was pleased to see a familiar face in the changing room having briefly crossed paths with Barrie McKay at Nottingham Forest.
He added: “When Barrie joined Nottingham Forest I was still there then I went out on loan.
“It’s nice to see him, he’s welcomed me and I’ve just started rooming with Alex (Cochrane) and he has taken me under his wing so far.
“The gaffer and Joe said they really wanted me, it’s nice to be wanted.
“The gaffer explained to me how the team plays and I felt like I fitted into that system. It’s going g to be a challenge, it’s completely new to me but I’m looking forward to it.”
Grant only managed two goals in 29 outings for Peterborough last season but is adamant that he can entertain the Hearts fans in the final third.
He added: “I like to be involved in the game as much as possible, try and get on it and try and affect things for the team.
“Going forward I like to bring goals and assists and my set-piece delivery is good, and hopefully I can bring that to the table.
“I want to be exciting and make the fans get off their seats and hopefully I can do that.”
Fifth arrival
Grant is manager Neilson’s fifth summer arrival following the signings of Alan Forrest, Lewis Neilson, Kye Rowles and Alex Cochrane.
Neilson said: “I’m really pleased to get Jorge in as we continue to build our squad for a historic season.
“He’s an experienced player who will bring dynamism and guile in the final third of the pitch and I’m really looking forward to working with him.
“The squad is starting to take shape but we’re not finished yet and I hope that in the weeks ahead we can continue to add quality to it.”
Sporting director Savage said: “We’re all delighted to be able to get Jorge over the line and have him join us out in Spain.
“He’s a really talented player and one we identified a while back as someone who could add value to the team, so to get him in a maroon shirt is great.
“Once again, our board of directors have backed us to get it right and I give them my thanks, as well as Jorge’s agent James, who has really played a massive part in helping to get this deal done.”
