Heart of Midlothian has bolstered its midfield with the addition of English-born Ghanaian midfielder Malachi Boateng, who has signed a three-year contract with the Jambos.
The 22-year-old defensive midfielder joins the Edinburgh-based club from English Premier League side Crystal Palace, where he rose through the youth ranks and turned professional in 2019.
Boateng has already gained experience in Scottish football, having had successful loan spells with Queen’s Park and Dundee, where he made 36 appearances and helped the team finish top-six in the SPFL.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Steven said: “I’m pleased we’ve been able to get the deal done and bring Malachi in.
“We’ve done the bulk of our recruitment early but we’re always assessing our differing requirements, and with a couple of players out through injury it’s pushed us to act swiftly.
“In Malachi we’ve got a strong, athletic, ball-winning and ball-playing midfielder. He’s also somebody who has good knowledge of Scottish football through his loan spells here.
“He’ll fit in well to our dressing room, I’m sure, and I’m looking forward to working with him as we focus on starting the season positively.”
The U-18 and U-23 Player of the Year award winner at Crystal Palace, Boateng’s standout performances earned him a spot in the PFA Scotland Championship Team of the Year during his loan spell with Queen’s Park.