Hearts buy midfielder Kartum from Brann

Sander Kartum helped Brann finish runners-up two seasons running

Heart of Midlothian have signed midfielder Sander Kartum from Norwegian club Brann for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old, who has been handed a two-and-a-half-year contract, had spent two years with the side who finished runners-up in the 2024 Eliteserien.

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley hopes the Norwegian will enhance his side's attacking threat.

"Coming off the back of a successful season for Brann, he will bring a wealth of experience at a high level with him," he said.

"Sander is technically a very gifted player with the ability to connect the team together in the middle of the pitch and also provide an attacking threat in the final third. He will add much needed balance to our team."

Kartum made 35 appearances last season, 20 of them starts.

He had started his career with Stjordals-Bank, winning three promotions and three league titles as they rose from the fourth tier to the second, before joining Kristiansund in Norway's top flight and helping them to a sixth-place finish.

Brann finished runners-up two seasons in a row during his time in Bergen, which included a two-legged Europa Conference League victory over St Mirren earlier this season.

Kartum's arrival follows the signings of central defenders Michael Steinwender, from Varnamo, and Jamie McCart, from Rotherham United, while striker Elton Kabangu joined on loan from Royal Union Saint-Gilloise.

"It's been a really positive transfer window so far," Critchley added.