FK Vardar have wasted little time asserting control over the future of their prized asset, slapping a firm €1.5 million valuation on Ugandan forward Rogers Mato as interest from across Europe continues to gather momentum in the winter transfer window.
The Skopje-based heavyweights, who are currently setting the pace at the summit of the Macedonian First Football League, made their stance public amid a surge of enquiries for the 22-year-old attacker, widely regarded as one of the most lethal young forwards in the region this season.
“FK Vardar AD informs the public that, due to increased interest from several foreign clubs in our player Rogers Kassim Mato, the Club’s Management has decided to set a buyout clause in the amount of €1,500,000,” says the Skopje-based club.
The announcement comes as Heart of Midlothian continue to push hardest for Mato’s signature. The Scottish Premiership side have already tested Vardar’s resolve with a €350,000 opening bid, an approach that was swiftly rejected. Despite the setback, Hearts remain undeterred, viewing Mato as a potential game-changer in their ambition to narrow the gap on domestic giants Celtic and Rangers.
Yet the Edinburgh club are no longer alone in the chase. Turkish Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor have now joined the conversation, keeping close tabs on Mato’s situation as they assess reinforcements for their attacking line during the January window.
Trabzonspor enter race for Rogers Mato as Hearts press on despite rejected bid
From Vardar’s perspective, the timing could hardly be worse to lose their talisman. Mato has been instrumental in their title charge, firing 12 league goals to sit joint-top of the scoring charts, while also adding three strikes in UEFA Conference League qualifying action. In total, he has registered a remarkable 15 goals from just 17 appearances in all competitions this campaign.
Mato arrived at Vardar from FK AP Brera Strumica on a one-and-a-half-year contract that runs until the summer of 2026, and his stock has risen sharply since. The forward, who boasts 41 senior international caps for Uganda, is also believed to have quietly committed his future to the club by agreeing improved terms in recent months, a move that has further strengthened Vardar’s negotiating position.
With Hearts persisting, Trabzonspor watching closely, and other suitors expected to follow, Vardar’s message is unmistakable. Any club serious about landing one of the Balkans’ most in-form attackers must be prepared to meet their €1.5 million asking price, no shortcuts, no bargains.
