Hearts striker Juanma Delgado has departed Tynecastle for a season-long loan at Spanish second tier side UCAM Murica.
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson had made it clear to the 25-year-old that he was not in his plans this term following the arrival of fellow forwards Tony Watt, Conor Sammon, Robbie Muirhead and Bjorn Johnsen.
The 25-year-old returned to his homeland on a temporary deal before the transfer window closed, a week after a permanent switch to Belgian side Waasland-Beveren collapsed over personal terms.
Neilson said: “We have brought in a number of strikers over the course of the summer months, so needless to say there is a great deal of competition up front.“Juanma has expressed a desire to play regular first team football, so we decided a loan move would be the best solution for both parties.
“Hopefully this will enable him to get plenty of game time under his belt over the course of the season.”
Juanma joined Hearts from Greek outfit Kalloni last summer on a three-year deal and scored 13 goals in 39 appearances.
But after featuring in the club’s brief Europa League campaign, Juanma did not feature in any of the match-day squads for the five domestic games the Gorgie club have played so far this term.
Neilson also criticised the player’s work ethic last month, saying: “He’s not been doing great in training and games recently.”
