Ex-Hearts striker Bjorn Johnsen seals move to AZ Alkmaar

Norway international Bjorn Johnsen has landed a move to top three Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Picture: Getty Images

The Norwegian attracted the attention of AZ after finishing last season as the second-top scorer in Eredivisie with 19 goals for seventh-place ADO Den Haag.

After establishing himself in the Norway squad last season, the move to Alkmaar on a four-year contract represents another significant step forward in Johnsen’s career, with his new club having qualified for the Europa League after finishing third last term.

The 26-year-old joined Hearts two years ago but, following a bright start which included an SPFL Premiership player of the month award in November 2016, his Tynecastle career fizzled out once head coach Robbie Neilson had left to take over at MK Dons midway through the campaign.

After a bust-up with Ian Cathro, Neilson’s successor, Johnsen left Tynecastle a year ago, with six goals from 37 appearances, to sign for ADO.