League One promotion hunters Burton Albion have sold top scorer Liam Boyce to Scottish Premiership side Hearts. The striker leaves for an undisclosed fee and returns to Scottish Football after two-and-half years with the Brewers.
Burton Albion Sell Striker Liam Boyce to Hearts
The Deal
Burton announced via their website they had sold their record signing. Boyce departs the Pirelli Stadium after two-and-a-half years with the club. Burton have received an undisclosed fee for the Northern Ireland international.
Boyce arrived in 2017 as Burton’s record signing when they were in the Championship. The striker scored 22 goals in 78 league games for the Brewers. His time with the Brewers was blighted with injuries meaning he couldn’t ever get a consistent run of games.
Boyce had been attracting interest from several clubs due to his contract expiring in the summer. Sunderland were the leading the pack of League One clubs chasing him but ultimately Hearts won the race.
The striker joins the Scottish Premiership’s basement club. Hearts are enduring a miserable season finding themselves cut adrift at the bottom of the table. Boyce arrives tasked with keeping Hearts in the league.
Burton wanted the best possible fee for the striker and while there wasn’t any indication Boyce wouldn’t sign a new deal, they have got the best deal for them.
What Was Said
Speaking to the Burton website about Boyce’s departure, manager Nigel Clough said: “We have reluctantly accepted the bid from Hearts – with four or five months left on his contract, there wasn’t much choice for us, really.
“It’s very difficult when a player has a few months left, difficult for the player and the club, as he would go on a free in the summer so we have to make a decision on whether we take some money now for him.
“We thank Liam for his two-and-a-half years of service with us, and we’re delighted that we signed him.
“He got the injury after the first few weeks which was a big blow for him and us, but he’s been a very good player for us, and we wish him all the best for the future.
“We already have a replacement in Lucas Akins straight away, and we’ve brought in two forward players in Joe Powell and Jamie Murphy.
“We can make Lucas our number one striker now.”
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