Brighton & Hove Albion have sold Alex Cochrane to Scottish Premiership’s Hearts for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Cochrane graduated through Brighton’s Youth Academy but managed to make only two senior appearances, of which both came in the Carabao Cup across 2019-20 & 20-21 seasons.
During his time at the AMEX Stadium, Cochrane also enjoyed time on loan at Belgium’s Royal Union Saint-Gilloise and Hearts where he contributed three goals in 40 appearances for the latter club who have signed him on a permanent transfer on a three-year contract.
Brighton’s Technical Director, David Weir issued the following statement explaining Cochrane’s departure: “Alex did very well with Hearts last season and this is a very good move for him after a successful loan spell.
“We wish him all the best for his future career and thank him for his hard work and professionalism during his time at Brighton.”
Cochrane is Hearts’ fourth signing of this summer’s transfer window with manager – Robbie Neilson describing the defender’s permanent arrival as “fantastic”, after he played “… a huge part of the success the team enjoyed last season so to get him back in as a Hearts player for three years is great news.”
Neilson also praised the 22 year-old for showing “versatility” on the left side of defence which “… is hugely important to the way we play and I think he benefitted massively from getting a full season of first-team football under his belt.
Hearts’ Sporting Director, Joe Savage added that it was “perfect sense” to sign him on a permanent transfer following his performances whilst on loan last season.
Savage however iterated patience will be important due to Cochrane still being inexperienced as he said: “He’s still a young player but he’s clearly very talented and has a hunger to improve, and – as we’ve demonstrated time and time again – Hearts is a place for talented players to flourish.”
Cochrane will join up with his team-mates in Spain for a pre-season training camp ahead of the 2022-23 season.
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