Kye Rowles is a player who split Hearts fans during his time at the club.
The Australia international centre back looked at home as soon as he moved to Tynecastle from Central Coast Mariners and instantly won fans over with assured displays in the heart of defence.
However, as time wore on there were certain games he struggled in as questions arose over his capabilities for dealing with the rough and tumble of the Premiership and some of the more physical centre forwards.
But he proved himself to be a very capable defender on the floor with many of his better performances coming against Celtic, Rangers and in European ties when the opposition perhaps aren’t as direct.
In total the 26-year-old made 103 appearances in maroon and scored one goal.
Hearts have now announced Rowles has signed for DC United, confirming Not the Old Firm’s exclusive from two weeks ago.
We understand the fee to have been around £600,000.
Hearts fans not happy with Rowles fee
As in international player with 24 Australia caps, starring at the last World Cup, and a contract until 2028, there is a feeling the fee for Rowles is on the low side.
It’s not clear whether the Jambos may make some more through performance related add-ons or a sell-on down the line, but fans reckon they could have commanded more up front.
One said: “International starter with World Cup experience and on a lengthy deal leaving for 600k is very poor”
Another wrote: “The undisclosed fee was too small! We need to be much better when trading players!”
Another said: “Better have a sell on clause inserted.”
This fan was full of praise for the player, saying: “Best of luck Kye. Great servant to the club. Wouldn’t have minded holding on to him.”
Another added: “A cracking centre half who’ll go stateside and smash it. Top bloke as well, all the best.”
What Neil Critchley has said about Rowles departure
Critchley told the Hearts website: “Kye has been a fantastic servant during my time here and, indeed, over his entire two-and-a-half-year spell at the club.
“While we’re obviously sad to see him go, it’s a good deal for him and it’s a good deal for the club so he goes with our thanks and our best wishes.
“As with one player leaving, it presents an opportunity for someone to stake a claim to fill that position within the team.
“I’m confident we have the personnel to step in to the team who, of late, have been performing well defensively.”
Hearts have already signed Jamie McCart as a replacement and are closing in on another defender in Michael Steinwender.