Elton Kabangu has penned a three-year deal with Heart of Midlothian FC, turning his loan from Belgian side, Royal Union Saint-Gilloise into a permanent move for an undisclosed fee.
The 27-year-old joined the Tynecastle team in January and subsequently claimed eight goals in 18 appearances, finishing the campaign as the club’s second-top goalscorer, one behind skipper Lawrence Shankland.
Derek McInnes, the new head coach, said he had a good talk with Kabangu and he added: “We’re both excited about what the future holds.”
McInnes feels Kabangu is a handful for opposition defences and he’s confident that Hearts will receive more from the player next term.
Kabangu said: “I am just getting started and there are some big things to come for Hearts.”
Meanwhile, Hearts will face Dunfermline Athletic, Hamilton Academical, Dumbarton and Stirling Albion in Group E of the Scottish League Cup.
Of course, Dunfermline are managed by Neil Lennon (pictured), a former Hibs and Celtic boss.
Livingston are in Group H alongside Kilmarnock, Kelty Hearts, East Fife and Brora Rangers.
Matches start on July 12/13 with more fixtures on July 15/16, 19/20, 22/23 and 26/27.
The team finishing top of the section as well as the best three runners-up move forward to the last 16 which is scheduled for August 16/17 when the teams competing for Europe – Celtic, Rangers, Hibs and Dundee United and Aberdeen – will enter the event.
The quarter-finals are on September 20/21, the semi-finals on November 1/2 and the final at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Sunday, December 14.
