Scottish Premiership front-runners Heart of Midlothian have executed a significant transfer coup by securing Ugandan international striker Rogers Mato on a pre-contract agreement. The 22-year-old goalscorer will complete his move from North Macedonian league leaders FK Vardar to Edinburgh this summer upon the expiration of his current contract.
Mato has emerged as one of Eastern Europe’s most lethal forwards this season, delivering an impressive 15 goals and 2 assists in just 17 appearances for Vardar. His clinical finishing has propelled his club to a narrow one-point advantage at the summit of the North Macedonian top flight after 16 matches.
The promising forward has committed to a three-year contract with the Tynecastle side, marking another ambitious signing for the Scottish Premiership leaders. Mato brings international experience to Hearts, having earned 41 caps for Uganda since his debut in 2022. The striker has found the net eight times for his national team, including a consolation goal against Nigeria during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Mato’s career trajectory demonstrates a steady ascent through European football. Beginning his professional journey with Ugandan clubs Proline and KCCA, he subsequently transferred to Turkish side Sanliurfaspor in 2023 before embarking on his North Macedonian career with AP Brera. His successful stint with Vardar has now paved the way for his transition to Scottish football’s top tier.
This acquisition represents Hearts’ continued strategy of identifying emerging talent from diverse football markets, strengthening their squad for both domestic and potential European competitions next season.