Hearts have agreed a deal to sign Japanese attacker Yutaro Oda - but it is subject to a work permit being issued.
The 21-year-old, who can play as a winger or striker, has agreed terms on a move to Tynecastle. The move for the Vissel Kobe player is now subject to UK government approval. If Hearts can get the necessary paperwork in place then they will bring Oda in next month after being identified by Joe Savage and Robbie Neilson.
The news emerged from Japan on Sunday night that the deal was all but done between the player and club. Hearts now have to await a final government decision and then go through an appeal’s process because the player doesn’t meet the automatic requirements. If that is agreed they can then apply for a work permit for Oda. The Jambos looking to push the process along but know it could take several weeks.
Oda has previously been capped at under-19 level by Japan. He is a former team-mate of new Celtic signing Yuki Kobayashi, who will finally pull on the Hoops in January when the transfer window reopens. It is not the first time Hearts have gone into the Japanese market. They took Ryotaro Meshino in on loan from Manchester City in 2019 and then tried to sign Tsuyoshi Ogashiea from Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo this time last year
Oda is keen to follow in the footsteps of his countrymen Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, who have all made a big impact in Scotland with Celtic Robbie Neilson is looking to bolster his squad as they look to push and retain third spot in the Premiership.
