Hearts sign Japanese winger Yutaro Oda
Hearts have confirmed another January signing - 21-year-old Yutaro Oda signs up at Tynecastle until 2026
Hearts have completed the signing of Japanese winger Yutaro Oda.
The 21-year-old has signed up at Tynecastle until the Summer of 2026, and has been described by his new manager as "very quick, very direct and technically very good."
The Jambos have paid Vissel Kobe an undisclosed fee for the Japanese youth international.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Robbie Neilson said: “I’m really pleased to get Yutaro in as our next signing of this window.
“He’s got a lot of great attributes but the exciting thing is that he’s still young and there will be more to come from him, so we’ve got a huge part to play in developing him.
“He’s very quick, very direct and technically very good. He’ll bring a lot to the team and we’re all looking forward to working with him."
Oda told the club site:
“I have been looking for a challenge, so this is a great club for me to come to. I am really looking forward to showing the fans what I can do.
“As a player, I see myself as a very speedy and sharp player. I am also good at dribbling and with the ball at my feet.
“When I had my meeting with Hearts, it was clear that they had done their research on me. To me, that shows that they really wanted to sign me, and that they are keen to help me develop further as a player.”
Sporting Director Joe Savage said: “We’ve made no secret of our willingness to focus on markets across the world in an effort to identify talent and value for money.
“In Yutaro, we feel we’ve got both of those things. He is someone we had been looking at for a while and, thankfully, all the pieces fell into place to allow us to bring him to the club.
“I’d like to thank Vissel Kobe for their cooperation, CAA Base and in particular Joel Pannick for helping to get the deal done and, of course, our board for their continued backing and support.
“Yutaro has all the qualities to be a hit in maroon and I’m sure our fans are looking forward to seeing him light up the Tynecastle pitch.”