Grace Clinton is currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur FC from Manchester United. Aged 21, she has had an instant impact on Robert Vilahamn’s Spurs side since her move last summer. However, her loan spell is coming to an end; it remains uncertain whether she will become a permanent Lilywhite or return to Manchester ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Already recognised as a role model for the younger generation of footballers, Clinton’s performances at both club and international level make her one to watch.
Her season at Tottenham Hotspur
Since her loan to Spurs in the summer, Clinton has made sixteen Women’s Super League (WSL) appearances. In fact, she made the starting eleven for all of these fixtures. With four goals and three assists in the WSL, she instantly had an impact.
In Lilywhite, Vilahamn gives Clinton a platform to showcase her talent and dominance in the midfield. She proves a force to be reckoned with by her intuitive and determined performances. As an attacking forward, she creates opportunities for Spurs and certainly contributes to their success.
Perhaps one of Clinton’s greatest achievements as a player is reaching the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final. She played a key role in helping Spurs reach the last stage of the competition for the first time in club history. Yet, this achievement is bittersweet for the youngster. Tottenham Hotspur will face Manchester United in the final, meaning Clinton is cup-tied. Her loyalties, however, seem to lie with Spurs; she recently stated that she would be the loudest supporter for the Lilywhite’s from the stands. This could be a positive sign for Spurs fans.
International success
Grace Clinton is already impressing on the international stage. In recent months, she has stepped up her game, become recognised globally, and taken her international career to a new level.
In October 2023, Clinton received her first call-up to the senior England camp. After engaging positively in training for head coach, Sarina Wiegman, she was gifted her international debut in February 2024. With a start and a goal on her first senior appearance, she will soon become a regular in the Lionesses’ squad.
England are a very successful side, especially having won the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 on home soil and reaching the final of the 2023 UEFA Women’s World Cup. Therefore, to have the opportunity to participate frequently in the Lionesses camp at such a young age, Clinton is developing both as a player and a teammate. Alongside such an experienced and skilful group of professionals, she will soon be matching their level of play. She is already becoming a role model for the younger generations.
The future
As mentioned, this summer Clinton’s loan period at Spurs will be up. Spurs fans are hoping she will be offered a permanent spot in Lilywhite. However, her success this season makes her a target for Manchester United too. At only twenty-one years of age, her professional career is just beginning; she will be determined to make the best move for herself as a footballer, and rising star of the women’s game.
Although it remains uncertain whether Clinton will stay in North London permanently, or move back to the North, there is no doubt that she has an incredibly bright future ahead of her. Only time will tell which club she chooses to sign for ahead of the next WSL season.
By Charlotte Davey
@charfootie
Images in this article, unless said otherwise, are provided by Kadiene Lawrence (@kay.law.photos)
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