Zhang Linyan (3rd L) of China celebrates scoring with teammate Wang Shanshan (2nd L) in the final against South Korea at the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Mumbai, India on Feb. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)
China's rising star Zhang Linyan joins Swiss Women's Super League side Grasshopper Zurich on loan.
BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Swiss Women's Super League side Grasshopper Zurich announced on Friday that rising Chinese striker Zhang Linyan will join the club on a one-year loan.
"I will seize the opportunity in Switzerland and improve my skills there. I hope I can make better contributions to the Chinese national team in the future," said Zhang, who currently plays for the Chinese Women's Super League club Wuhan Jianghan University FC.
Zhang, 21, is a rising star in China. She delivered a stunning performance in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup final after her substitution in the second half.
Zhang scored her maiden goal for the national team to level the game in the 71st minute, helping China complete a 3-2 comeback victory over South Korea. She was also named the Future Star of the final.
"Her skills, agility with and without the ball, game reading, and international experience are all her strengths," said general manager of the Grasshopper Zurich women's team and Swiss legend Lara Dickenmann.
"We look forward to welcoming Zhang to Zurich and helping her integrate into the team. We also look forward to building a strong relationship with the Chinese national women's football team. I believe Zhang's joining will be the start of a great story," added Dickenmann. ■