Hearts have completed the loan signing of Colombian internationalist Andres Salazar.
The left-back joins the Jambos for the 2024/25 season from Colombian top-flight side Atletico Nacional, subject to international clearance, visa and Scottish FA approval.
21-year-old Andres has emerged as one of Colombia’s rising stars over the past 12 months.
Having spent his formative years in Atletico Nacional’s youth system, Andres spent 2021 and 2022 gaining valuable loan experience in the country’s second tier.
He made his Atletico Nacional first-team debut in 2023, helping the side reach the final of the opening league tournament – the Toreno Apertura – where they would lose on penalties. They reached the semi-finals of the league’s second tournament for an overall third-place finish in the aggregate table.
Andres also made his continental debut that campaign, playing four matches in the Copa Libertadores – the South American equivalent of the Champions League.
International recognition at Under 20 level has been plentiful. Andres has represented Colombia in the 2022 South American Games, the 2023 U20s South American Championship and the 2023 U20s World Cup.
A call-up to the full Colombia side beckoned and he made his international debut in a 1-0 win over Iraq in 2023.
Andres will now pull on the maroon jersey in 2024/25 as the Jambos battle on both domestic and European fronts.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Head Coach Steven Naismith said; “A lot of hard work has gone into making this deal possible so I’m happy that it’s now over the line.
“In Andres we’re getting a quality player with loads of experience, despite his young age.
“He’s played domestic, continental and international football so he’ll bring that knowledge to the dressing room.
“His talent means there will be healthy competition amongst the squad for a place in the starting line-up, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
