Hearts have confirmed that 22-year-old defender Michael Steinwender will leave the club this summer to join VfL Bochum. The Austrian centre-back, who arrived at Tynecastle 18 months ago from Swedish team Varnamo, will complete his move to the 2. Bundesliga side on July 1, subject to international clearance. The transfer fee is undisclosed, but it is understood that Hearts have made a profit on the deal.
Steinwender had attracted interest from other clubs in Germany's second tier, but Bochum secured his signature as they aim for a return to the Bundesliga following a ninth-place finish last season. The player reportedly views the move as a step towards his goal of playing in Germany's top flight. Steinwender has one cap for the Austria U19 team and had a contract with Hearts until May 2028. According to Transfermarkt, he has a current market value of €1.20m. In the 2025/26 season, he made a total of 35 appearances for the club, contributing one goal and two assists.
