Scottish club Hearts join Beitar Jerusalem in race race to sign N0.7b-rated striker Kalu

Scottish Premiership side Hearts have joined Israeli club Beitar Jerusalem in the pursuit of Nigerian striker Johnbosco Kalu in the January transfer window, according to Swedish outlet fotbolldirekt.   

Kalu caught the attention of several clubs after an impressive 2024 Allsvenskan season, where he scored seven goals and provided one assist in 22 league appearances for Värnamo.  

Both Hearts and Beitar Jerusalem are seeking to bolster their attacking options for the second half of the season.

Beitar Jerusalem have reportedly submitted a bid for Kalu but Värnamo are holding out for 434,000 euros (approximately N0.7 billion in Nigerian currency). 

The Swedish club has resisted the move, citing financial constraints as a reason for holding on to the forward.

Kalu has voiced his frustration over the situation, criticizing the club's high demands despite his low wages.  

"They want me and Värnamo is asking for a lot of money. I think that's unfair because I don't get paid much. They don't pay me enough to ask for so much money. I think I'm one of the people who earns the least on the team," Kalu told Fotbollskanalen.  

Signed from a Division 5 club, Kalu remains under contract with Värnamo until the end of the 2026 season, making negotiations complex as the Swedish side holds a strong position.  

As the January transfer window approaches, Hearts and Beitar Jerusalem continue to monitor the situation, hoping to convince Värnamo to sanction Kalu's exit.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: ifkvarnamo.se

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