Alex Cochrane completes transfer from Hearts to Birmingham City

Alex Cochrane has completed his seven-figure transfer from Hearts to Birmingham City.

The left-back has joined the English League One side on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee which is reported to be worth more than £1m.

The 24-year-old initially joined Hearts on loan from Brighton in 2021 before making a permanent transfer 12 months later, and made 126 appearances in all, scoring five goals.

Cochrane told his new club’s website: “It came about quite quickly, but I felt like it was too good an opportunity to pass on. The ambition of the club is really exciting, especially for a young player like me who wants to go as far as I can in football.”

Hearts head coach Steven Naismith told his club’s website: “Alex has done really well for us since joining three years ago, and we’ve been really good for Alex so it’s no surprise that there was interest in him.

“We had a conversation a year ago about picking the right moment to move on, and how another good season at Hearts would benefit him. He’s shown a maturity to focus on his game, develop and do his best for the team.

“It’s important for the club that we are able to identify players who can take the team forward and, if the opportunity presents itself further down the line, we make a significant return on our investment.

“It’s one of the big appeals for players joining Hearts; challenging at the top end of the league and in latter stages of the cup, European football, international recognition and a platform to progress careers.

“It’s a good deal all round. It’s good for the club and it’s good for Alex. He leaves with our best wishes.”