Rogers Mato scored in Uganda’s Africa Cup of Nations defeat by Nigeria last month
Hearts have confirmed Uganda forward Rogers Mato will join the club immediately after they agreed a loan until the end of the season with North Macedonian side Vardar.
Mato, 22, had previously agreed a three-year contract to join as a free agent in July, and that deal will kick in once his Vardar deal expires.
The transfer is subject to international clearance and Scottish FA approval, but Mato could make his debut at Dundee United on Saturday.
His arrival strengthens Hearts’ options in forward areas with Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland out until March with a hamstring strain.
“It’s great work from the club to get Rogers in during this window and I’m really pleased that he’s here and ready to go,” head coach Derek McInnes said.
“He’s a livewire player, always looking to attack and cause the opposing defence problems.
“He’s been in to meet the boys and has made a good first impression, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”
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There was confusion earlier this month when Vardar claimed they had accepted an £870,000 offer, external from Sporting Kansas City for Mato, after Hearts had announced their own pre-contract deal.
North Macedonian top-flight leaders Vardar proclaimed that he would instead “play against Messi, Suarez, Giroud, Lloris, Busquets” in Major League Soccer.
But, in a statement to the Kansas City Star outlet, the MLS outfit stated: “Sporting Kansas City explored a transfer for Rogers Mato, but he has elected to sign a pre-contract with Hearts and we wish him all the best in the future.”
Mato, who played for his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, has been in prolific form for Vardar this season, scoring 15 goals and contributing two assists in 17 appearances, and they currently lead second-top Struga by one point after 16 games.
First capped by his country in 2022, Mato has scored eight international goals in 41 matches, including a consolation goal in an Africa Cup of Nations defeat by Nigeria last month.
After starting his career in Uganda with Proline and KCCA, he signed for Turkish outfit Sanliurfaspor in 2023 before joining Brera a year later then on to Vardar last year.
