‘Livewire’ Mato joins Hearts on loan ahead of a permanent summer deal

There was confusion earlier this month when Vardar claimed they had accepted an offer worth £870,000, external From Sporting Kansas City for Mato, after Hearts announced his pre-contract deal.

North Macedonian Serie A leaders Vardar have announced that they will instead “play against Messi, Suarez, Giroud, Lloris and Busquets” in MLS.

But, in a statement to outlet Kansas City Star, the MLS team stated: “Sporting Kansas City explored the possibility of a transfer for Rogers Mato, but he has chosen to sign a pre-contract with Hearts and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Mattu, who played for his country in the Africa Cup of Nations, has been in fine form for Vardar this season, scoring 15 goals and making two assists in 17 matches, and currently leads the second-placed Struga by one point after 16 matches.

Mattu made his debut for his country in 2022, scoring eight international goals in 41 appearances, including a consolation goal in the Africa Cup of Nations defeat to Nigeria last month.

After starting his career in Uganda with Proline and KCCA, he signed for Turkish side Sanliurfaspor in 2023 before joining Brera a year later and then Vardar last year.