Hearts sign American striker Bjorn Johnsen on a three-year deal
Saturday 23 July 2016 12:13, UK
Hearts have signed striker Bjorn Johnsen on a three-year deal the day after suffering Europa League heartbreak.
The America-born forward joined just hours after Hearts suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Maltese side Birkirkara, which saw them miss out on a trip to Russia to face Krasnodar.
The 24-year-old, who began his career at Valerenga in his father's native Norway before playing in the Spanish and Portuguese second tiers, revealed he was looking forward to the new challenge in Scotland.
"Hearts made an offer, I felt really wanted by them and I'm delighted to come here now," Johnsen told Hearts TV.
"I'm a fast player and I'm good with my feet and in the air. I want to help out, providing assists, and not just goals, is key.
"This league is looking like it's going to be tough this year and I want to be pushing at the top of the table. There are high expectations here and I want to help fulfil them.
"So yeah, I'm really excited to be here. The stadium is amazing, there's a new stand being put up and I want to be part of this new phase for the club."
Johnsen moved to Bulgaria in 2015 to play for top-flight side Litex Lovech, a move which turned sour when his side were expelled from the league midway through last season.
The striker had already been sent off before his team-mates walked off in protest over a second red card in a match against Levski Sofia, a decision which saw them thrown out of the league.
Johnsen will compete with Conor Sammon and Juanma Delgado for a place up front this season.
