Kyosuke Tagawa confirms he is joining Hearts and explains why he accepted the offer from Tynecastle

Japanese international forward Kyosuke Tagawa has confirmed he is joining Hearts after a deal was agreed with FC Tokyo. The Japanese club announced that the 24-year-old will move to Tynecastle Park in a permanent transfer, pending the completion of paperwork, a visa approval and international clearance.

An initial loan had been discussed but all parties are now set to proceed with a permanent deal which will see Tagawa join compatriot Yutaro Oda in Edinburgh. With two caps and one goal for Japan, he sees his future in Europe and explained that he wants to show Japanese fans that he can develop further as a footballer.

Tagawa will not cost Hearts a huge sum in terms of a transfer fee as he had only six months remaining on his contract at FC Tokyo. He spent time on loan at the Portuguese club Santa Clara last season and believes switching to Scotland can help him realise his ambitions. However, he also apologised to the supporters he is leaving behind in his homeland.

In a statement released by FC Tokyo, Tagawa said: “I have decided to transfer to Heart of Midlothian FC. First of all, I would like to express my sincere apologies to the fans and supporters of FC Tokyo who warmly welcomed my return, as I will be transferring immediately.

“I am also filled with gratitude towards the team officials who respected my wishes and supported me. Just when I was determined to start from scratch and do my best, I received an offer and couldn’t give up on my dream of challenging myself overseas, so I made this decision. I will do my best to show you a stronger and more grown-up version of myself. Thank you very much.”

Hearts released their own statement to clarify that paperwork for the deal has still to be signed off. Tokyo officials announced the move earlier than expected and their counterparts at Tynecastle are waiting before making any official confirmation.

The statement from a Hearts spokesperson said: “Following on from FC Tokyo’s announcement last night that Kyosuke Tagawa would be joining Hearts, the club can confirm that it is in negotiations for the Japanese forward.

“Whilst we would have preferred to wait until all documentation was finalised before announcing, we hope that this formality will be completed very soon and we will then be able to officially welcome him to Hearts.”

The Edinburgh club verbally agreed the transfer of Costa Rican forward Kenneth Vargas from SC Heradiano on Thursday. Tagawa’s arrival will add extra pace and industry to their attack. He can play as a central striker or as a winger on either flank.

Vargas’ arrival in Edinburgh is still some way off despite Hearts agreeing the terms of his transfer in a six-figure deal. Like Tagawa, Tynecastle officials must request approval from the Scottish Football Association to sign the 21-year-old as he does not automatically qualify for a UK visa. Then the formal visa application process can begin.

Hearts have already completed three signings so far this month. They added Northern Irish goalkeeper Michael McGovern, English defender Frankie Kent and Australian midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof to their squad ahead of the new season.