Hearts interest in Uchenna Ogundu: Nigerian teenage forward playing in Turkey

The teenager has been identified as an option to add to the club’s attacking depth as the overhaul of the Hearts squad under new head coach Derek McInnes continues to take shape.

Ogundu is currently contracted to Turkish side Sanliurfaspor. He was promoted to the first team midway through last season in the second tier 1.Lig, scoring six goals in 19 appearances, playing through the middle or wide right.

Despite his positive impact, Sanliurfaspor finished in the relegation spots in the 20-team league and will drop into the third tier. 

Hearts could take advantage of the club’s plight and try to bring the promising teenage forward to Tynecastle Park.

Ogundu is strong and quick. He is an effective runner with the ball, has a big presence and is good in the air. He is adept at getting into the box, whether he plays wide or centrally and keen to take shots.

He may be viewed by the club as more of a winger and he is one of a number that the club are considering. Islam Chesnokov and Daniel Arzani are two of the other targets but neither deal has been straightforward.

Hearts have already added four players so far this summer and are hoping to complete another two in the coming days with the arrivals of Stuart Findlay and Portuguese forward Claudio Braga.

Earlier today, Sanliurfaspor were moved to issue a statement. It was with regard to speculation around the club’s transfer business on social media.

“None of the transfer news about our club that has been published on social media channels in recent days reflects the truth. These baseless claims have nothing to do with our club’s transfer policy,” a spokesperson said.

“As always, our club carries out the transfer processes professionally and confidentially. Real information will only be shared through our club’s official communication channels.

“We emphasize once again that such intentional and unfounded news harms our club and expect our fans to act with common sense.”