Is Altena the Right-Back Hearts Need After Joining from Waalwijk?

Scottish Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian have secured the signing of RKC Waalwijk right-back Jordi Altena, a promising talent from Vitesse Arnhem's youth system. Altena, 22, will officially join Hearts on 1 January for an undisclosed fee and has signed a contract that extends until the end of the 2028-29 season. This transfer is pending Scottish FA approval and international clearance, but he may make his debut in an upcoming match against Livingston.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Hearts have made a significant move in the January transfer window by acquiring Jordi Altena, who is seen as a valuable addition to their squad. With Altena's background at Vitesse Arnhem and his experience in the Dutch leagues, the club hopes to bolster its defensive options as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Manager Derek McInnes expressed confidence in Altena's potential to contribute positively to the team's performance.

Key takeaways

Jordi Altena will join Hearts on 1 January 2024.
The 22-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the 2028-29 season.
Hearts currently lead the Scottish Premiership by three points.
The transfer is pending approval from the Scottish FA.
Altena aims to bring excitement to Hearts fans with his playing style.

Timeline: how we got here

Jordi Altena's journey to Heart of Midlothian can be traced back through several key milestones:

August 2019: Altena joined Vitesse Arnhem's youth academy.
August 2021: Made his senior debut for Vitesse Arnhem.
January 2023: Transferred to RKC Waalwijk, where he made over 50 appearances.
October 2023: Hearts announce the signing of Altena, with the transfer effective from 1 January 2024.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Hearts have officially announced the signing of Jordi Altena, confirming the player's transfer from RKC Waalwijk. The deal, which is set to begin in January 2024, aligns with Hearts' strategy to strengthen their squad early in the transfer window.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, Altena had been performing well in the Eredivisie with RKC Waalwijk, where he showcased his skills as a right-back. His experience and capabilities made him a target for several clubs, with Hearts emerging as the frontrunner.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For Hearts fans and local supporters, the arrival of Altena is expected to enhance the team's performance, potentially leading to increased ticket sales and merchandise purchases. A successful season could also boost local business tied to match days.

Businesses and jobs

The transfer signifies Hearts' commitment to competing at a higher level, which could have positive implications for the club's revenue streams. An improved squad may help attract more sponsorships and partnerships as the team performs well in the league.

Policy and regulation

As the transfer is subject to approval from the Scottish FA, Hearts and Altena will need to comply with all regulatory requirements. This includes ensuring that the player's international clearance is obtained, allowing him to participate in upcoming matches without any administrative issues.

Numbers that matter

22: Age of Jordi Altena, indicating potential for further development.
50: The number of senior appearances he has made, showcasing his experience at a young age.
3: The points by which Hearts lead the Scottish Premiership.
2028-29: The year until which Altena's contract with Hearts runs, indicating long-term investment.

Definitions and jargon buster

Scottish Premiership: The top tier of professional football in Scotland.
International clearance: The process required for players transferring between countries to ensure eligibility to play.
Right-back: A defensive position in football, typically responsible for defending against attacks down the wing.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans can expect to see Altena in action as soon as the transfer is complete and international clearance is obtained. His debut may come in the match against Livingston, which will be closely watched by supporters eager to see his impact.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, Altena will be adjusting to the Scottish game, with opportunities to further establish himself as a key player in Hearts' squad. His performance will be crucial as the club aims to maintain its lead in the league.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics from Altena's initial matches with Hearts.
Injury reports and fitness updates as he adapts to a new playing style.
Hearts' position in the league as they compete against rivals like Celtic and Rangers.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the team by attending matches and purchasing merchandise.
Follow updates on players' fitness and performance through official channels.
Engage with fellow fans to discuss team strategies and performances.

Don’t

Don’t jump to conclusions about Altena’s performance before he has had time to settle in.
Avoid spreading unverified information about player transfers or injuries.
Don’t underestimate the importance of team dynamics and how they affect individual players.

Checklist

Check the official Hearts website for the latest news and updates on player transfers.
Follow Hearts on social media for real-time updates during matches.
Purchase tickets for upcoming games to support the team live.
Review match reports to assess player performances.
Engage with fan forums to discuss the implications of new signings like Altena.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Jordi Altena's signing is promising, there are uncertainties regarding how well he will adapt to the Scottish Premiership's style of play. Additionally, his performance will depend on factors such as the team's overall strategy and how quickly he can integrate into the squad. Any administrative delays in securing international clearance could also impact his availability for early matches.

Bottom line

Jordi Altena's transfer to Heart of Midlothian represents a strategic effort to strengthen their squad as they lead the Scottish Premiership. His potential contributions could be significant as the club seeks to maintain its competitive edge, making this an exciting time for Hearts fans.

FAQs

When will Jordi Altena officially join Hearts?

Jordi Altena will officially join Heart of Midlothian on 1 January 2024, pending international clearance.

What is the duration of Altena's contract with Hearts?

Altena has signed a contract that runs until the end of the 2028-29 season.

How might Altena impact Hearts' performance?

With his background and skills as a right-back, Jordi Altena is expected to enhance Hearts' defensive capabilities and contribute to their attacking play.