Hearts confirm permanent Elton Kabangu signing on three-year deal

Hearts have confirmed the signing of Elton Kabangu from Union Saint-Gilloise on a permanent deal.

The forward has signed a three-year deal at Tynecastle following a successful five-month loan spell.

After joining in January, the 27-year-old scored eight goals in 18 appearances and finished second top goal scorer behind Lawrence Shankland.

New Hearts boss Derek McInnes says he is looking forward to working with Kabangu.

The head coach said: “I’m pleased that Elton is going to be part of this Hearts team next season and beyond.

“I had a great conversation with him last week about how I see his role in the team and what I think he can achieve here at Hearts. We’re both excited about what the future holds and I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“I think everyone saw the impact he had when he joined the club in January. He’s an absolute handful for opposing defences and to score eight goals in a new country is a good return.

“Now Elton has had time to get used to the club, his teammates and the Scottish game, I’m confident that we’ll see even more from him this coming season.”

Kabangu said: “First of all, I want to thank God for this new opportunity and chance.

“I am very happy to continue my career at Hearts and to be able to call Tynecastle my new home.

“The people at the club and the supporters have been very nice to me. They give me love, passion and trust. I have had some good moments, but I definitely want more of them. I am just getting started and there are some big things coming for Hearts, and I am very happy to be part of this new project.

“I am already looking forward to coming back and working with the new Head Coach, and taking this club forward to success.

“I would also like to thank everyone at USG for my time there and congratulate them on a fantastic league title win. They deserve it so much and I hope that someday soon I am lifting trophies of my own, wearing maroon.”