Viktoria Plzen have announced they have sold centre-back Robin Hranac to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim ahead of the Europa League play-off second leg against Heart of Midlothian.

The Czechs travel to Tynecastle Park with a 1-0 first-leg lead but will do so without one of the star players.

Hranac has emerged as one of the country's brightest talents at centre-back in the last couple of seasons. The 24-year-old has six caps for Czechia and played all three games at Euro 2024, scoring an own goal against Portugal.

Viktoria Plzen revealed they received an "extraordinary offer for Robin that met all our expectations and it was a deal that had to take place immediately", ruling him out of playing at Tynecastle on Thursday.

"The player himself also showed interest in accepting it, more or less fulfilling his next dream with this step," Viktoria Plzen's general manager Adof Sadek said in a club statement. "Considering that Robin is our protégé, he has always treated the club completely fairly and provided excellent services, we decided not to hinder him in this next journey.

"The long-term goal and strategy of the club, which was presented by the new owners and management a year ago, is to educate young talented footballers who will have the potential to one day move to a renowned European competition within the top five leagues. And Robin has now fulfilled exactly this vision.

"Of course, we regret that we will not have him available for the second leg in Scotland, but the offer was built in such a way that the transfer must take place immediately, or it will not be feasible. As I have already stated, it could not be rejected in all directions, even from our point of view.

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"That's the main message for our fans. I believe they will understand this move and, like us, they will wish Robin the best of luck and keep their fingers crossed for him in his prestigious engagement. We will do our best to advance in the rematch in Edinburgh, and we will go into the next matches on the domestic or European stage with the same attitude."

Hranac had started every game for Plzen this season.

"I would like to thank all our fans," he said. "I have loved Viktorka's jersey since I was a child and always wore it proudly. I experienced beautiful moments here, especially last season was absolutely fantastic. Now I have a new challenge in front of me, playing in the Bundesliga is another dream. I believe that they will always remember me only in good ways and as soon as there is some time, I will definitely come to see Viktorka," said the shapely stopper.

"I wish the whole club and the boys that they can handle the rematch next week and maybe I'll be back here soon in a Hoffenheim shirt in European matches, that was fantastic."