Hearts have signed Australian defender Kye Rowles on a three-year deal.
The 23-year-old moves to the Scottish Premiership from Central Coast Mariners, subject to the club acquiring a work permit.
Rowles becomes Robbie Neilson ‘s second signing of the summer as he prepares his side for a crack at the Europa League qualifiers.
And he admits he’s thrilled to add the Aussie rising star to his ranks.
Neilson told the Hearts website: “This is an exciting transfer for us and one that everyone has worked really hard to get over the line.
“Kye has a fantastic reputation over in Australia and his talent has seen him rise to the top of the game.
“To get another international player in the door is a big coup and I’m really looking forward to working with him. Hearts is the perfect place for Kye to continue his development and I believe he is someone who can help improve the team.”
Hearts landed Nathaniel Atkinson and Cammy Devlin from Down Under over the past year and sporting director Joe Savage is convinced they’re on to another winner in Rowles.
He said: “We’ve obviously had success in the Australian market so having identified Kye as a target it was a no brainer to try and bring him to the club.
“He’s clearly a very talented player and he has the potential to get even better, and I think we’ve all seen that Hearts can provide an environment for players to flourish, which is why Kye has chosen us as the best place to continue his career despite late attempts from other Scottish clubs to get involved.
“Kye fits the profile of player we want to attract to this club and I’ve no doubt the fans will take to him, like they have with Cammy Devlin and Nat Atkinson, once he pulls on that maroon jersey.
“These types of transfers require a lot of work so I have to thank everyone involved for all of their their efforts, and it’s full steam ahead in terms of building a squad capable of making a mark in both domestic and European football this season.”
