Odel Offiah joins Hearts on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion

Hearts has confirmed the signing of 20-year-old defender Odel Offiah on a season-long loan from Premier League team Brighton & Hove Albion.

Offiah, a Brighton youth academy graduate since 2017, is a player who can operate in both wingback and centre half roles.

He debuted for Brighton in a 2-0 EFL Cup triumph over Cardiff City in August 2021 and earned his first starting role in an FA Cup game against West Bromwich Albion in January 2022.

Offiah made his Premier League entrance against Nottingham Forest earlier this year, and a subsequent appearance against Newcastle United.

Reacting to the new signing, Hearts' head coach Frankie McAvoy said, “Securing Odel is a significant step. His physicality is impressive, and he will undeniably enrich our squad depth.”

Steven Naismith, Technical Director of Hearts, emphasized Offiah's potential contribution to the team's defensive strategy, saying, "Odel's multifaceted defensive skills will be an asset, and we're confident in his ability to deliver in any given role."

Despite facing competition from other clubs vying for Offiah's signature, Sporting Director Joe Savage highlighted Offiah's determination to join Hearts.

He said, "Odel’s decision to join us, despite other offers, is a testament to our stature in Scottish football."