Heart of Midlothian have announced the signing of Daniel Oyegoke, a 21-year-old former England youth international.
The versatile defender has signed a three-year deal with Hearts paying an undisclosed fee to Brentford B where he worked under the club's former midfielder Neil MacFarlane.
He becomes the club's fourth summer addition following the confirmed arrivals of James Penrice, Ryan Fulton and James Penrice.
READ MORE: The additions Hearts are putting in place at Tynecastle Park for next season
Oyegoke can play as a right-back, centre-back and wing-back. It's understood his arrival won't impact the pursuit of Gerald Taylor with the Costa Rican international right-back still a target for the club.
A European Championship winner with England at under-19 level, Oyegoke, who had time in Arsenal's academy, spent the most recent campaign on loan at Bradford City, where he was a team-mate of Jamie Walker, making 28 appearances in all competitions. It was his second loan spell following a period with MK Dons the season before.
Steven Naismith believes Oyegoke has the attributes that will stand him in good stead to succeed at Tynecastle.
“It’s another really positive bit of news to get Daniel in as a Hearts player," he told the club's website.
“He’s versatile, has physicality and also a calmness in possession. He’s willing to take the ball under pressure and that’s a big part of the way we want our defenders to play.
“What’s really impressed me is his desire to progress his career. He’s not comfortable just standing still in a safe environment, he wants to forge a career and advance to a higher level, and I expect him to do that with Hearts.”
Neil MacFarlane wished the player "all the very best in the next step of his career" after his three years at the Bees.
“He played a prominent part in us winning the Premier League Cup and has developed into a really good young player whilst spending the last few years with us in between some loan spells," the former Hearts star told the Brentford website.
"He was also part of the England Under-20s that won the Euros whilst with us.
"Having played for Hearts myself I know how great a club it is and how big a challenge it will be, but I feel Daniel is ready for such an exciting next step.”
Welcoming another new recruit 🤝 pic.twitter.com/DUKGa08fXz
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) June 21, 2024
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