Hearts defender Christophe Berra signs pre-contract deal with Raith Rovers

Christophe Berra has signed a pre-contract to join Raith Rovers this summer, the Kirkcaldy club have announced.

Christophe Berra re-signed for Hearts for a second spell back in 2017. Picture: SNS

The Hearts centre-back is in the final year of his deal at Tynecastle and had already been told by manager Robbie Neilson that he wouldn’t be getting an extension.

Raith have moved to snap up the 36-year-old on a two-year deal. They hope he’ll provide experience and leadership to both the defence and the Stark’s Park dressing room.

An article on the club’s website read: “The squad building continues at Stark’s Park and Raith Rovers are pleased to announce the pre-contract agreement that has been set with Hearts captain and former Scotland cap Christophe Berra, on a two-year deal starting next season.

“Christophe has extensive experience, and management team John McGlynn and Paul Smith moved quickly to secure his services following the announcement recently that his time at Tynecastle will come to an end when the current season is completed.

“Christophe will take on an important role in the team, applying his experience in the development of young defenders like David McKay and Tom Lang as the club build on the progress made at Stark’s Park in the last two seasons, pushing the team on to the next level.”

Raith boss John McGlynn added: “I’m delighted to sign Christophe, and I’m looking forward to working with him next season.”

Berra has made 263 appearances in total for Hearts, 117 of which came after re-signing for a second spell in the summer of 2017.

He captained the club for two-and-a-half years before being relived of those duties under former boss Daniel Stendel.

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