The striker who became a stadium anthem and a record-breaking transfer
In short: In 2016, a Wigan Athletic supporter transformed Will Grigg into a pop culture phenomenon. By setting lyrics to the tune of Gala's 'Freed from Desire,' they created a chant that echoed through football stadiums. But beyond the catchy melody lies a career defined by prolific scoring and unprecedented transfer fees.
Will Grigg's rise to prominence began in earnest during the 2012–13 season while playing for Walsall. That year, he established himself as a premier talent, finishing as the club's top scorer with 20 goals in 45 appearances. His impact was so significant that he swept the club's end-of-season honors, winning both the Player of the Season and the Players' Player of the Season awards. This breakout performance caught the attention of top-flight clubs, including Aston Villa and Southampton.
His career has been marked by significant financial milestones and high-stakes transfers. In 2013, Grigg moved to Brentford for a fee that reached £405,000 by the following July. In January 2019, he moved to Sunderland for £3,000,000, setting a record for the most expensive transfer involving an English third-division side at that point. Despite these high-profile moves, Grigg has faced the volatility of professional football, including a period of low confidence at Brentford and a public admission in 2020 that he regretted leaving Wigan for Sunderland.
Grigg's international career is equally notable. Although born in England to an Aston Villa-supporting family, he represented Northern Ireland at the U19, U21, and senior levels due to his grandparentage. He earned his first senior cap on June 2, 2012, in a friendly against the Netherlands. His prowess on the pitch has even reached the global stage; following his 2015–16 season with Wigan, where he was the League One top scorer with 25 goals, he achieved a tied 25th place in the initial voting for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Will Grigg
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