Hearts buy striker Braga from Aalesunds

Claudio Braga has agreed a three-year contract

Claudio Braga has signed for Hearts after the Scottish Premiership club paid an undisclosed fee to Aalesunds for the Portuguese striker.

The 25-year-old, who has agreed a three-year contract, has been the Norwegian second-tier side's top scorer for the last three seasons.

Describing it as "an exciting signing", Hearts head coach Derek McInnes told the club website: "Claudio was one of our top targets so to be able to bring him in is fantastic.

"There is great potential there but also exceptional ability. He is a technically gifted player, he's got a goalscoring pedigree but is also versatile and can play across the front."

Braga began his career with Rio Ave's B team then moved to Valadares Gaia, Fatima and Ideal in his homeland before moving to Norway's third tier with Moss.

He switched to Aalesunds in 2024 and, despite his 10 goals and eight assists, they missed out on the promotion play-offs last year and he has scored four times in 10 outings so far this campaign with his side sitting seventh.

Braga becomes Hearts' fourth signing this summer, with fellow striker Elton Kabangu's loan from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise being made permanent, while forward Alexandros Kyziridis has arrived after leaving Zemplin Michalovce and midfielder Oisin McEntee from Walsall.

"What's impressed me in my conversations with Claudio is his attitude and his determination to improve as a player and improve the team," McInnes added.