Scottish Premiership table leaders Heart of Midlothian FC have set their sights on Ugandan international forward Rogers Mato, with the Edinburgh club keen on securing his signature in the ongoing January transfer window, Footy-Africa exclusively confirms.
Hearts are exploring a three-year deal for the in-form striker, who is currently plying his trade with North Macedonian giants FK Vardar, the reigning table leaders.
Vardar have reportedly placed an €800,000 valuation on the 22-year-old attacker, who only recently committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension that runs until December 2026.
A source close to the player has exclusively confirmed to Footy-Africa that Hearts’ interest is genuine and advancing.
“There is concrete interest from Hearts of Midlothian, and they have been closely monitoring Rogers for some time now,” the source revealed. “They like his movement, his finishing, and his mentality. A move in January is possible if the clubs agree, but it has to be the right step for his development.”
Rogers Mato signs FK Vardar extension with €800k release clause
Mato has enjoyed a sensational campaign so far, emerging as one of the most lethal forwards in the North Macedonian top flight.
He has scored an impressive 15 goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances this season, form that has inevitably attracted attention from clubs beyond the Balkans.
His rise has been steady; last season, he registered six goals and one assist in 16 matches across all competitions, hinting at the clinical edge he is now displaying with consistency.
The former KCCA FC forward has steadily built his European profile since moving to North Macedonia, where he also turned out for Brera Strumica before earning his switch to Vardar.
His performances at club level have translated onto the international stage as well. Mato was part of the Uganda Cranes squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he scored one goal in three appearances, further underlining his growing importance to the national team.
Rogers Mato sets sights to playing in Europe’s top five leagues
With Hearts pushing for domestic success and European ambition, Mato’s goalscoring instincts and versatility in attack make him an attractive proposition. Whether Vardar are willing to sanction a mid-season exit for their talisman remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Rogers Mato’s stock is rising fast, and a major move could be just around the corner.
