A former Celtic great discusses one rumoured target in the most recent Hearts transfer rumours.
Johan Mjallby, a Celtic icon, has given a brutally honest assessment of Michael Steinwender, a transfer target for Hearts.
Following the completion of a loan agreement for Union Saint-Gilloise striker Elton Kabangu and a permanent move for Rotherham United defender Jamie McCart, the Evening News earlier this week reported that the Austrian centre-back is expected to become Hearts’ third January transfer window acquisition. After playing for Austrian teams Mattersburg, St. Polten, and Hartberg, Steinwender was given a free transfer to Swedish team Varnamo in the summer. Even though other Danish clubs expressed interest in Steinwender, he could quickly go to Hearts after helping his new team maintain their top division standing the previous season.
The 24-year-old is reportedly eager to move to Edinburgh soon as Hearts capitalise on their partnership with sports recruitment company Jamestown Analytics, which assisted in identifying Steinwender as a possible addition who could thrive in the Premiership. The Tynecastle hierarchy has started negotiations with the defender’s club. Mjallby, a former Celtic and Sweden star, is unsure of the center-back’s ability to adapt to life in Scotland and thinks he will need to exhibit the proper character in order to make an impression on Neil Critchley’s team.
“Good luck, Hearts,” he said to the Scottish Football Social Club. “No, I’m joking. Considering Varnamo is a very small team that has managed to survive relegation, he was respectable. He is six feet three, lanky, and skilled in the air for wide free kicks and corners. Because he is not as heavy as they are now, he is quite mobile, so I’m not sure if he has the character to rally the people. Despite being six three, he weighs no more than 80 kg, therefore he is not a huge guy in that regard.
He can play football, which is similar to the modern game, and he’s decent with the ball. Is he Hearts’ ideal match? To be honest, I have no idea. I’m not really sure; it’s hard to tell. The character is all that matters. If his character is strong, he will be able to take charge and demonstrate his true abilities. He will just collapse if he lacks the proper character.
The fourth round of the Scottish Cup will see Hearts return to play on Friday night when they travel to Brechin.
