Hearts buy England youth Oyegoke from Brentford
- Published
England Under-20 right-back Daniel Oyegoke has joined Hearts from Brentford for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan to Bradford City in League Two, has signed a three-year contract with the Scottish Premiership club.
Hearts head coach Steven Naismith praised Barnet-born Oyegoke's willingness to challenge himself in Scottish football.
"What鈥檚 really impressed me is his desire to progress his career," he told his club website.
- Published21 June
- Published21 June
"He鈥檚 not comfortable just standing still in a safe environment, he wants to forge a career and advance to a higher level, and I expect him to do that with Hearts."
Oyegoke joined Brentford in 2021 after four years in Arsenal's youth academy and was a regular in former Hearts midfielder Neil MacFarlane鈥檚 B team before a six-month spell on loan to MK Dons in League One.
He went on to play 28 times last season as Bradford narrowly missed out on the League Two play-offs.
Meantime, he has featured for England from under-16 to under-20 level, being part of the 2022 Under-19 European Championship winning side and an ever-present in last year鈥檚 Under-20s World Cup.
"He鈥檚 versatile, has physicality and also a calmness in possession," Naismith added. "He's willing to take the ball under pressure and that's a big part of the way we want our defenders to play."
Oyegoke's arrival coincides with the departure of fellow right-back Rocco Friel after the 17-year-old chose to move to Queens Park Rangers for an undisclosed fee.