Vardar did not play well this winter window regarding the future of Rogers Mato after refusing the 350.000 Euros offer from Hearts only to lose him as free agent next summer.

photo by Transfermarkt: Rogers Mato

The Scottish top flight current leaders confirmed that they have reached an agreement with the Ugandan forward and he will joins Hearts as free agent after his contract with Vardar will expire on 30 June 2026.

“We are delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement with Ugandan international forward Rogers Mato to become a Hearts player in the summer.” – says the club’s announcement.

Mato has enjoyed an explosive 2025/26 campaign to date, sending Vardar to the top of the league thanks to his 12 goals in 13 games, adding 2 assist. He scored 3 goals in the Conference League qualifiers last summer.

He is also regular for the Uganda national team, picking up 41 appearances and has scored 8 goals, including one at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

This is big blow for Vardar who loses a great player and more importantly, without receiving any compensation. Plus, Vardar payed Brera Strumica 100.000 Euros for his services in January 2025. According to Transfermarkt, the current value of Mato is 700.000 Euros. Few days earlier. Vardar officially announced that they want 1.5 million Euros for Mato to leave this winter.