Departing Wellington Phoenix midfielder Cameron Devlin has landed a three-year deal with Scottish Premier League club Hearts.
The move will earn the Newcastle Jets a five-figure (in pounds) transfer fee, even though the 22-year-old had not played for the Hyundai A-League club.
Devlin’s slingshot move to Edinburgh follows his departure from the Phoenix in late June when the club was unable to secure a new contract with him.
He signed for the Jets, despite interest from Melbourne Victory, but was pursued by Hearts after his appearance for Australia’s Olyroos at the Tokyo Olympics.
Devlin made 43 appearances in two seasons with the Phoenix and scored a long-range goal against Western Sydney Wanderers that was nominated this year for the A-League’s goal of the season.
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson told the club’s website: ‘This one has been a long time in the making but I’m delighted that Cammy is now a Hearts player.
“He was as keen to get over here and joins us as we were to sign him, so already there is a great relationship there.
“He’s a real livewire on the pitch, dynamic with a great engine and he’ll give 100% every time he pulls on the maroon jersey.”
Hearts were promoted to this year’s SPL after winning the Scottish Championship.
Video replay
Enjoy Devlin’s world-class goal against Western Sydney Wanderers from March 2021: