Livingston sign former Hearts and St Mirren striker Esmaël Goncalves

The forward returns for his third spell in Scottish football

Published 31st May 2022

Livingston have completed the signing of former Hearts and St Mirren striker Esmaël Goncalves.

The 30-year-old Guinea-Bissau international has signed a two-year deal with an option of a third.

Goncalves scored in St Mirren's League Cup final win over Hearts in 2013.

The forward moved to Tynecastle in January 2015 and scored 15 times for the club in 42 appearances.

Since departing Hearts, Goncalves has played in various other countries including Iran, Japan and India.

Manager David Martindale said: “I’m really happy to get this one over the line. I was alerted to Esma’s availability a few weeks ago and after some due diligence, I arranged for Esma to fly over and have a look at the club last week.

“I had a very enjoyable chat about football with Esma and knew he would be a good fit for our club. He hasn’t played a lot of football of late but I feel we can afford him that opportunity.

“Esma can play anywhere across the front 3 but was more predominantly used as a number 9 in his previous spells in Scotland.

“He knows the league well and likes the physicality the Scottish league will throw at him and has an eye for a goal

“I’m confident that Esma, once up-to-speed, will prove to be a valuable member of the first-team squad.”