While Heart of Midlothian fans were expecting the confirmation of Yan Dhanda's arrival at Tynecastle Park, the club sprung a surprise with the signing of Daniel Oyegoke.

The 21-year-old provides Steven Naismith's defence with versatility, capable of playing as a centre-back, right-back and wing-back. 

He is the fourth summer signing so far following the confirmed additions of James Penrice, Ryan Fulton and Blair Spittal.

So, who is Daniel Oyegoke?

READ MORE: The additions Hearts are putting in place at Tynecastle Park for next season

Early career

An opportunity with Barnet, a club in the Northwest of London who play in the fifth tier, led to the start of his professional career. Oyegoke and his cousins read about an open trial online, turned up at The Hive, Barnet's home, and the rest is history.

By 14 he had moved up in the world, trading Barnet for Arsenal. Understandably, the move to the Premier League giants was transformative. One of the most significant changes with the Gunners was a switch in position.

He moved from being a forward to a right-back. And it was a switch that came about via a World Cup winner.

"Per Mertesacker became [Arsenal's] academy manager at the beginning of my U16 season," Oyegoke told Secret Scout. "He and Marcel Lucassen just sat me down and said that for my development, being a full-back was the way forward.

"I played right wing-back quite a lot when I signed and I think a lot of top clubs do that with their players, converting them from attackers into defenders. They said that the way full-backs operate now would suit me."

It, in the player's own words, took a bit of getting used to.

"For me, changing positions was a mental battle," he said. "When it came, I wasn’t over the moon about it, but I saw it as a new challenge. I’m quite a competitive person so it was just about getting my mind around it and learning a new position.

"I spoke to my mum again and she was just saying that they obviously know more than any of us, and that Per Mertesacker knows what he’s doing."

His progression was aided by it and it wouldn't be long before England recognition was achieved eventually leading to being part of the country's win at the European Championship in 2019.

Oyegoke would play for Arsenal's Under-23 side in the EFL trophy aged just 17 before joining Brentford B at the end of that season.

Brentford move

Oyegoke would link up with former Hearts midfielder Neil McFarlane at Brentford in the summer of 2021.

“I think Daniel is a fantastic signing for the B Team," McFarlane said. "He’s been at Arsenal for a number of years, and we’ve seen him do particularly well for England recently. We want to keep improving the B Team every year, and a signing like Daniel can definitely help us to do that.

“Daniel is a modern full-back who likes to get forward and he has the ability to create for the team. He’s a fantastic character and will be a very good addition to the group.”

After a good first season with the B team, which included being an unsued sub for the first-team on two occasions, Oyegoke spent pre-season with Thomas Frank's side in the summer of 2022, making two appearances, including against Stuttgart.

The decision was then taken to move out on loan to aid his development.

“Daniel has developed massively over the course of his first year with the B Team and we were delighted to see him flourish in the summer with England," McFarlane said. "He now has the opportunity to go on loan and I think it’s one that he will go and grab with both hands.

"He has all the attributes of a modern full back and he will now continue to add to his game with MK Dons. He’s in a good place and we look forward to watching his progress."

Loan spells

Oyegoke moved on a season-long loan to MK Dons but it was cut short by his parent club midway through the campaign as the English League One side at the time struggled and changed manager.

He would be on the move once more, this time last summer joining Bradford City for the full season. Despite being sent off on his debut it would be a more productive loan. He would work under Mark Hughes and then former Motherwell manager Graham Alexander, making 28 appearances in total.

It would have been more if he didn't require shoulder surgery which kept him out for a large chunk of the season. 

Such was his impact either side of the injury, Bradford were keen to keep him at the club for next season.

Position and style

Oyegoke will add depth and variety to the Hearts squad but he's not one to pick out a favourite or strong position.

"Anywhere on the right side I'm comfortable and played a lot of games in each position," he said when joining Bradford.

Arsenal said "he is a player who shows composure on the ball," Alexander complemented his pace and dynamism and he told Hearts TV: “I’m athletic, confident, and composed. I like to defend one-v-one and can go forward as well".