Heart of Midlothian is delighted to confirm the loan signing of Belgian striker Elton Kabangu.
The 26-year-old joins the Jambos from Royal Union Saint-Gilloise on an initial deal until the end of the season, subject to being granted a work permit and Scottish FA approval.
A livewire, powerful forward, Elton began his youth career Gent before spending two seasons on loan at Dutch side FC Eindhoven.
It was in the Netherlands he hit the goal trail, striking 19 times and bagging 20 assists in 79 appearances.
That form earned him a move to top flight Dutch outfit Willem II, where he notched another 16 goals and helped them to qualify for the Europa League qualifiers.
Union SG came calling in 2023 and in his first season, Elton was part of a side that agonisingly missed out on the league title by one point. There was good news, however, when they won the Belgian Cup for the first time since 1914, and by finishing runners-up earned a Champions League qualifier spot.
This season he provided an assist in the Belgian Super Cup as Union SG triumphed 2-1 over Club Brugge to lift the trophy.
Elton will now pull on the maroon jersey for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, and Head Coach Neil Critchley has outlined his happiness at being able to bolster his attacking ranks so early in the January transfer window.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, he said; “It’s a boost to be able to bring a player of Elton’s pedigree in so soon after the transfer window opening.
“It’s an area of the pitch that we thought we needed to strengthen and Elton will bring a different dimension to our forward line.
"His experience of playing in the top leagues of Holland and Belgium will benefit the squad right now.
“He has the characteristics of a Hearts player and from speaking to him I know how hungry he is to come and be a success at Tynecastle.
“We very much look forward to working with him.”
