Hearts are keen to push ahead and accelerate a deal to sign Ugandan striker Rogers Mato before the end of the transfer window. The MLS side later acknowledged the player’s impending move to Hearts and conceded there was no prospect of a deal being done to take him to America. The handling of the whole affair has prompted a bitter dispute between Mato and his employers, who are angered by Hearts effectively signing him on a free transfer. Beni Baningime is also suspended for the blockbuster clash with title rivals Celtic this weekend, with Hearts looking to cement their position at the top of the table. ‘This is a big window, I think it’s a big window for Celtic in terms of recruitment, they know they are short.

Source: Metro January 19, 2026 22:30 UTC