Hearts transfer update: More new signings, Lawrence Shankland’s contract, and player departures.

Tynecastle club prepares for the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership.

Summer signing efficiency has not always been evident at Hearts in previous years, but Tynecastle’s transfer window is wide open in 2025, allowing for an influx of new recruits. Four are already in place, with at least another four (possibly more) on the way, and the number of players leaving could easily reach double figures.

In recent weeks, Norwegian right-back Christian Borchgrevink, Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis, Belgian striker Elton Kabangu, and Irish midfielder Oisin McEntee signed long-term contracts with Hearts. Business is far from over there. Following last season’s seventh-place Premiership finish, new head coach Derek McInnes and sporting director Graeme Jones are in the process of overhauling the squad.

Another wide player is expected to arrive in the form of Kazakhstan international Islam Chesnokov. He plays as an inverted right winger, favouring his left foot. Kyziridis is an inverted left winger who prefers to use his right foot. McInnes prefers wide players who can stretch the play down both touchlines, so another traditional No.7 or No.11 is on Hearts’ wish list this summer.

The Edinburgh News reported on Thursday that a striker is one of the current priorities. McInnes seeks a physical and mobile goal scorer to supplement current forwards Kabangu and James Wilson. Several targets have been identified. The club is also eager to retain captain Lawrence Shankland, who is currently out of contract and available as a free agent.

The latest news on Lawrence Shankland’s contract with Hearts.

Shankland and McInnes have had cordial and respectful conversations. The player has expressed interest in continuing his career at Tynecastle, but has yet to sign a contract. His representatives have been working in the background, and at least one approach from overseas has been rejected by Shankland. Lines of communication remained open over the past few days.

The Hearts hierarchy has also considered signing another attacking midfielder. They want to ensure that the 2025/26 squad combines creativity and flair, as well as a ruthless and clinical instinct to capitalise on scoring opportunities. Simultaneously, there is a strong desire for a physical and aggressive core capable of enduring the punishing challenges of Scotland’s top division.

 

Naturally, the transfer window operates in both directions. With the Hearts senior squad now at 30 players, departures are unavoidable. Jamestown Analytics, the club’s sports recruitment partner, makes recommendations on the best time to sell players to maximise value. This usually occurs as they enter the final year of their contracts, if not before.

Craig Gordon, Ryan Fulton, Craig Halkett, Frankie Kent, Lewis Neilson, Harry Milne, Beni Baningime, Aidan Denholm, Cammy Devlin, Finlay Pollock, and Alan Forrest are the Hearts players whose contracts will expire next summer. From that list, Kent and Baningime are expected to provide the best financial returns in the transfer market. Barrie McKay and Jorge Grant have already left as free agents, and there will be more departures to come.

Musa Drammeh and Calem Nieuwenhof have contracts until 2027, but it is unclear whether they will play a role in McInnes’ new-look team. A move for one or both could be in the works. Similarly, Kenneth Vargas may accept a suitable offer despite the fact that his contract expires in 2029. Sander Kartum will have a fight on his hands come game time. Yan Dhanda was a player McInnes was interested in at Kilmarnock before signing with Hearts last year, so he should be given opportunities during preseason. English clubs are keeping an eye on James Penrice, but McInnes is a big fan of the left back.

Most clubs south of the border do not execute transfer plans until after players arrive for pre-season training in July. As a result, Hearts players interested in moving to England are unlikely to do so anytime soon. The club is taking proactive steps to ensure that replacements have already been signed and sealed. It is an approach that will appeal to many supporters who want their team to start strong in 2025/26.

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