Hearts Of Scotland Signs Young Nigerian Striker Uche Ikpeazu
Heart of Midlothian Football Club has confirmed the signing of Cambridge United forward Uche Ikpeazu on a free contract. The Scottish club also wrapped up a deal for St Johnstone striker Steven MacLean earlier in the week.
Ikpeazu a former Reading youth striker becomes their second signing of the summer. The 23-year-old Nigerian moves to Tynecastle on a two-year contract.
An official club statement read: “Hearts have secured the signature of striker Uche Ikpeazu on a pre-contract.
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“The towering hitman has committed to signing a two-year deal at Tynecastle after the Jambos beat off stiff competition from sides north and south of the border.
“London-born Uche, who stands at 6ft 4’ tall, joined Reading’s academy system in 2010 and in his first full season scored 28 goals in 28 games.
“That was enough for Watford to pay an undisclosed fee for his services in 2013 and he spent three years at Vicarage Road, enjoying loan spells at Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale and Blackpool.
Uche Ikpeazu has revealed Tynecastle Park was a major draw in him signing for Hearts.
The Cambridge Town striker became Craig Levein’s second pre-contract signing of the month after the capture of Steven MacLean from St Johnstone.
Ikpeazu speaking to HeartsTV, he said: “I’m delighted to be here. It’s good to get it wrapped up and done, and I’m looking forward to being a Hearts player next season.
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“Playing football in England, I didn’t know much about Scottish football, to be honest. But I did know that Hearts is a big club.
“When I came to the stadium and I saw it for myself, it was crazy. I’m sure they get loads of fans – 18,000 every game – that’s some big attendances and I’m looking forward to playing in front of them.
“That’s what attracted me, and having a manager in Craig who really wanted to work with me, I feel that’s the most important thing to feel wanted, and that’s the way I felt.”
