Scottish Giants Secure Uganda Cranes Star in Summer Transfer Deal

Heart of Midlothian have bolstered their squad for the upcoming season by securing a pre-contract agreement with Ugandan international forward Rogers Mato, who will join the Scottish Premiership club this summer.

The 22-year-old striker will make the move to Edinburgh in July on a three-year contract after his current deal with North Macedonian club Vardar expires.

Mato's signing is considered a significant coup for the Tynecastle side, following his impressive performances in European football.

Mato has become one of the most talked-about African forwards in Europe, thanks to a prolific season that has showcased his clinical finishing. His form also earned him a spot in Uganda's squad for this year's Africa Cup of Nations.

The forward's career began at Proline FC in his native Kampala, where he first gained prominence in the Uganda Premier League. He later moved to the Turkish side Sanliurfaspor for his first experience in European football.

His career trajectory continued upward with a transfer to AP Brera in North Macedonia in February 2024, which served as a launchpad for his move to Vardar a year later.

At Vardar, Mato quickly established himself as a key player, helping the team qualify for the UEFA Conference League and win the Macedonian Cup in his first season.

However, it is his form in the current 2025/26 campaign that has truly elevated his status. Mato has been in sensational form, scoring 12 goals in only 13 league appearances, which has been instrumental in Vardar's push to the top of the league table.

Mato has also been a consistent performer on the international stage. Since his debut for the Uganda Cranes in 2022, he has accumulated 41 caps and scored eight goals, including a notable goal against Nigeria at the recent AFCON tournament.

This summer, Mato will begin a new chapter in his career when he joins Derek McInnes's Hearts. The club will be looking to his pace, power, and goal-scoring ability to help drive their ambitions for the new season.