Hearts star sends four-word message to Jambos after Tynecastle transfer exit
Hearts announced the exit of a first team regular on Tuesday.
Michael Steinwender has explained his Hearts exit reasons as he swaps Gorgie for Bochum.
The Austrian defender capable of playing central defence and right-back has signed for the Bundesliga 2 side on a deal until 2029. Steinwender has been a reliable player for the Jambos in the 18 months since joining from Swedish top flight side IFK Varnamo. It’s the latest in a summer of major defensive upheaval at Hearts.
Craig Halkett is injured long-term while Frankie Kent and Lewis Neilson have already departed. Malachi Fagan-Walcott and MJ Kamson-Kamara have been brought in to cover the gaps as Steinwender leaves them a player short of someone who can play across multiple formations and positions.
Why has Michael Steinwender left Hearts?
In a post to his social media, Steinwender reposted Hearts’ announcement post on his exit, simply saying ‘thank you for everything!’ as he prepares for his next challenge in Germany. Bochum have ambitions of promotion to the German top flight and Steinwender is keen to play his part in that journey.
Steinwender said: “I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to prove myself here in Germany in the 2nd Bundesliga. Bochum made a real effort to sign me, immediately made me feel very welcome, and I am delighted to be here.”
Simon Zoller, Director of Licensed Football, says: “Michael impressed us with his overall package as a modern centre-back: He is 1.90m tall, fast, athletic and has a courageous pressing style. At 26 years old, he has already gained some international experience and now wants to take on responsibility and leadership tasks at VfL. We are very much looking forward to that.”
Why have Bochum signed Michael Steinwender from Hearts?
A club statement added: "VfL Bochum 1848 have signed Michael Steinwender as their sixth new external signing. The 26-year-old central defender joins from Scottish Premiership side Hearts of Midlothian. The Austrian has signed a contract until June 30, 2029, and will wear the number 15 jersey. The transfer fee remains undisclosed.
"Raised in Burgenland, Austria, Michael Steinwender took his first steps in football at ASK Baumgarten. He then played for SK Rapid Vienna and SV Mattersburg. The defender spent the majority of his footballing education in the youth academy of his hometown club, AKA Burgenland. At 24, he left his home country for the first time, joining IFK Värnamo in the Swedish Allsvenskan in the summer of 2024.
“After just half a season, he moved on to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Heart of Midlothian FC secured the services of the right-footed player. With Michael Steinwender on the team, the traditional club secured their place in the Scottish Premiership in 2025. Last season, he was part of a football fairytale that narrowly missed out on a happy ending: after a nail-biting finale on the last matchday, the championship ultimately went to Celtic Glasgow."