The 20-year-old defender has completed his switch to the Tynecastle club
Hearts have strengthened their first-team roster by adding Jamaican international Dexter Lembikisa on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The right-sided full-back has English Premier League experience and will provide robust competition for Steven Naismith’s squad as they aim for a solid Premiership finish. And the Jam Tarts manager was overjoyed to sign Lembikisa so early in the notoriously difficult January transfer window, praising his innate talent.
He said: “I’m really pleased to get Dexter in so early in the window. He’s an exciting full back who likes to get involved in team attacks and he shows defensive traits ahead of his years.
“His growth over the last year has been incredible. He’s had a strong first half of the season down south and has established himself as a regular on the international stage for Jamaica. Dexter’s career is on the rise, and we’re optimistic he can come to Hearts and make an impact in the next five months.
Hearts sporting director Joe Savage expressed his joy at the signing, stating that Lembikisa had always been the first choice target in that position.
He said, “We recognised early on the need to bring in a right-back, given Natty Atkinson’s talent and subsequent participation in Australia’s Asian Cup squad.
“Our head of recruitment, Will Lancefield, and his staff worked diligently to find the best available targets for Steven, and we’re overjoyed to be able to bring in his top pick, Dexter.
“I’d want to thank Will and his crew, as well as Steve Davis, Matt Jackson, and Matt Hobbs at Wolves, for making this a painless process.
“To be able to attract another international standard player to Hearts is a big thing for the club and we’re all eager to see Dexter take to the pitch at Tynecastle Park.”
And Lembikisa thinks he is ready to play right now and can’t wait to enjoy his time at a “massive club,” citing their great league position.
Speaking on Hearts’ official website, he exclaimed, “It feels great to be here. Hearts is a major club that is currently performing very well. We are currently third in the table, therefore it is quite appealing to come and play for such a wonderful squad.
“I’ve managed to do a little bit of research and I’ve heard the fans are really good, but it’s a big club so I’m just happy to be here.
“I enjoy playing one-on-one. I’m a strong defender in certain situations, but I also enjoy attacking. I’m pretty athletic, with plenty of speed and power.
“I am quite new to the Jamaica squad. But I’ve played a couple games in the Gold Cup and the Nations League, and it’s been a fantastic experience to represent my nation.
“I’m ready to go play now. So I’m really looking forward to that one.”
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