Yutaro Oda has described himself as a 'very speedy and sharp player' as he revealed the extensive Hearts research that sealed his signature.
Robbie Neilson has landed the 21-year-old on a three-and-a-half year deal after securing his signature from Vissel Kobe. He could even feature under the lights at Tynecastle on Friday night against St Mirren in a big five days for the club with Aberdeen making the trip to the capital next midweek as the battle for third spot and Europe hots up.
Oda's arrival quickly followed James Hill, who has joined on loan from Bournemouth until the end of the season to help fill the void left by the season-ending injury to key defender Craig Halkett. Speaking about his move to the capital, Oda told the official club website: “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.
READ MORE: Hearts new boy James Hill reveals secret weapon as he details key attributes after loan transfer
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
“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.”
Boss Neilson added: “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."
READ NEXT:
- Garang Kuol sets Hearts tongues wagging as social media update sparks Tynecastle transfer hint
- Hearts hero Paul Hartley makes Cove Rangers return following sacking of Jim McIntyre
