Hearts win race for Uganda star Rogers Mato ahead of summer switch

Scottish premier league side Heart of Midlothian have secured a major boost ahead of next season after reaching an agreement with Ugandan international forward Rogers Mato, who will officially join the club in the summer.

The highly-rated 22-year-old will move to Edinburgh in July once his contract with North Macedonian giants Vardar expires, and has already agreed terms on a three-year deal with the men in maroon.

Mato’s signature comes after a sensational campaign in which he has taken European football by storm.

His ruthless finishing in front of goal has turned him into one of the most sought-after African forwards currently playing on the continent, while his exploits also saw him feature at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The pacey attacker’s journey began back home with Proline FC in Kampala, where he made his name in the Uganda Premier League before earning his first taste of European football in Turkey with Sanliurfaspor.

His steady rise continued in February 2024 when he moved to North Macedonia with AP Brera, a stepping stone that paved the way for his switch to Vardar a year later.

At Vardar, Mato wasted no time making an impact. In his debut season, he played a key role as the club pushed into the UEFA Conference League qualifiers and lifted the Macedonian Cup, further underlining his growing reputation.

This season, however, has taken his profile to a whole new level. Mato has been in devastating form during the 2025/26 campaign, firing 12 goals in just 13 league matches to propel Vardar to the top of the standings and firmly place himself in the spotlight.

On the international stage, his rise has been just as impressive. Since making his Uganda Cranes debut in 2022, Mato has already earned 41 caps, scoring eight goals, including a memorable strike at the recent AFCON tournament against Nigeria.

Now, a new chapter awaits. Come summer, Mato will trade the Balkans for Edinburgh, where he will link up with Derek McInnes’ Hearts side, bringing pace, power and goals as the club looks to build an exciting new era.

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