New Hearts defender Michael Steinwender admits two former Jambos got in touch with him before signing for the Tynecastle club.
The Jambos agreed a fee with IFK Varnamo for the transfer of 24-year-old Steinwender last week and now, the deal has been officially confirmed by Hearts.
The towering Austrian has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year contract with the Gorgie outfit and will further bolster Neil Critchley’s defence.
He is the second centre-back to arrive this January after Jamie McCart joined from Rotherham. Both will help cover the injured duo Stephen Kingsley and Frankie Kent, as well as the departure of Kye Rowles to DC United this month.
Steinwender is just off the back of a pre-season with IFK Varnamo and with that, he is ready to play a part against Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Donis Avdijaj & Peter Haring influenced Steinwender
He spoke to Hearts TV upon his arrival and admits former teammates Donis Avdijaj and Peter Haring told him about signing for the Jambos.
Avdijaj played for Hearts in 2020 while Haring left Edinburgh in the summer after six years with the Tynecastle club.
Steinwender said: “I heard about the football club. I also know that Donis Avdijaj and Peter Haring also played here, I had a chat with them.
“They only said good things about the club. And when I heard about the fans and the crowd, I was very excited to come here.
“It’s pretty hard to describe myself because it depends how the playing style is of the team also.
“But I would say my attributes are that I like to defend. I like to do headings. I like to talk a lot with my people, try to help everybody. That’s how I am. And, I have the attribute to be very fast.
“I think my first training session is on Thursday. But, of course, I also had my programs, what I had to do to try to stay as fit as possible. We’ll see what happens.
On Hearts’ facilities and infrastructure, Steinwender exclaimed: “I almost got goosebumps! It’s impressive. The stadium and then also in Oriam, they have everything. In my old club, it was not like that.
“I can’t wait to step my first foot into the stadium and play a game. I’m very excited to be here and very happy.”
Hearts boss Neil Critchley reacts to Steinwender signing
Steinwender becomes manager Critchley’s third signing of the January window after the arrivals of Elton Kabangu and McCart.
Critchley admitted Steinwender’s move to Hearts was months in the making having been identified by Jamestown Analytics data.
The former Blackpool boss said: “We’re really delighted to get this deal for Michael completed as it’s taken a lot of hard work from everyone at the club these past few months to bring him to Hearts.
“He is someone we have identified that we believe has all the attributes to be a success in the Scottish Premiership and in Europe.
“He already has several seasons of experience in Austria and Sweden and at the age of 24 he has the potential to develop further in his career.
“We are pleased with the work we have done so far to strengthen the squad in January and we are all looking forward to working with Michal in the future.”