Ex-Hearts favourite a free agent as Thierry Henry signs former Tynecastle striker

Two former Hearts forwards have been on the move in recent days.

David Milinkovic is a free agent after leaving Vancouver Whitecaps. Picture: SNS

David Milinkovic, a favourite during his short spell at Tynecastle, is a free agent after reaching an agreement to mutually terminate his contract with MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.

The 26-year-old spent the 2017/18 season with Hearts where his mercurial talents brought an excitement to the team. He scored six times in 26 appearances under Craig Levein, most notable netting a double and providing an assist in the 4-0 win over Celtic which ended their long unbeaten run.

The club were keen to retain his services but pulled the plug on a deal due to the player’s wage demands. He ended up joining Hull City from Italian side Genoa.

He played just 12 times for the Tigers before joining Vancouver on loan with the transfer being made permanent in October 2020.

However, personal reasons have resulted in an agreement to part ways with the player keen to return to Europe.

"Around the start of the pandemic, David and his partner welcomed their first child and there was a disconnect with their families back in Europe," Whitecaps CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster said

"Based on where we are headed as a team and David’s desire to move closer to home, this was the best time to make this decision for everyone involved."

Bjorn Johnsen spent just one season at Tynecastle before moving to the Netherlands. Picture: SNS

‘Capacity to score goals’

While Milinkovic leaves MLS, former Hearts striker Bjorn Johnsen joins the league.

The Norwegian international has been signed by CF Montreal who are managed by French and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Johnsen left Hearts after just one season where he scored six goals in 37 matches and clashed with former boss Ian Cathro.

The 29-year-old joined dutch side Ado Den Haag. After a highly impressive first season in the Eredivisie, scoring 19 goals, he was signed by AZ Alkmaar. Since then he has played for Norwegian giants Rosenborg and South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai.

“Bjørn is a big and very mobile striker. He has shown his capacity to score goals in all the clubs he has played for in the past, and with the Norwegian national team”, Montreal sporting director Olivier Renard said.