SNS GroupHearts have concluded the signing of striker Kenneth Vargas, with the Costa Rican joining on an initial season-long loan deal.
The Tynecastle side hold an option to buy Vargas at the end of the loan if the player impresses in Edinburgh.
Vargas moves from Herediano in Costa Rica, where has scored 14 goals and recorded seven assists in his 67 appearances.
The forward has helped the side reach two finals and played in the CONCACAF Champions League. He’ll now turn his attention to helping Hearts in their bid to make a mark in the Premiership and qualify for group stage European football.
Vargas has been scored for his side’s Under-23 side and has been called up to the senior squad three times but is yet to receive a senior cap.
Hearts head coach Frankie McAvoy said the player arrives at Tynecastle with a lot of promise.
“We’re all very excited by Kenneth’s arrival,” he told the club website.
“He’s a promising young talent with great experience for such a young player. He’ll bolster our forward areas and expand our depth in terms of attacking.
“He’s been in and met everyone, got a warm welcome and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Technical Director Steven Naismith said: “Kenneth travelled to Scotland over the weekend so we’ll now start the process of bedding him into the group.
“He’s coming from halfway across the world so he may need time to settle in but we’ll make it as smooth a transition as possible for him.
“He got some great attributes and is clearly talented. We think we can improve him as a player and he can help take the team to where we want to go.”
Sporting Director Joe Savage added: “We’re really happy to get Kenneth over to Hearts.
“It’s another deal that’s taken time and a lot of hard work so my thanks go out to everyone involved, and we certainly believe Kenneth will be worth it.
“Central America is a new market for us but we’ve never been afraid to explore all of our options in the search for talent and value.
“I’m sure the fans will be excited as we are to watch Kenneth pull on the maroon jersey for the first time and show us what he can do.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
