Hearts Eye New Winger as Squad Reshuffle Looms Under Incoming Boss McInnes
Hearts are aiming to bolster their options out wide ahead of the new season and have held talks with Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis. The 24-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer after his contract with Slovakian side Zemplín Michalovce expires. The Tynecastle club made a move in an effort to lure him to Scotland.
Kyziridis, who can play on either wing or centrally, has had an impressive campaign with 12 goals and seven assists in 24 appearances. He came through PAOK Salonika’s youth ranks before making his senior debut with Iraklis in 2019. He went on to play for Volos, Zlaté Moravce, and Debrecen—where he had a loan spell at Slovenian side Mura—before arriving at Zemplín last August.
Earlier this year, Hearts also held advanced discussions with Kazakhstan international Islam Chesnokov regarding a potential pre-contract agreement. However, with Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes set to take charge in Gorgie next week, any incoming deals are likely to be paused until he evaluates the current first-team squad.
Right-back Christian Borchgrevink has already signed a pre-contract to join for the 2025/26 season. Outgoings are also underway, with Hearts confirming that winger Barrie McKay and midfielder Jorge Grant will depart when their contracts expire. New deals have been offered to club captain Lawrence Shankland and veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Significant transfer activity is expected over the summer, with McInnes set to oversee changes to ensure Hearts can compete in the upper half of the Scottish Premiership. The club’s data-led recruitment team, Jamestown Analytics, have been identifying targets since the January window closed, with both arrivals and departures anticipated.
One potential signing is Belgian forward Elton Kabangu, currently on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise. Hearts have an option to make the move permanent for a set fee.
McInnes, whose contract at Kilmarnock runs until 2027 but includes a buyout clause, is expected to be officially unveiled next week following Hearts’ final league fixture—ironically against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Interim coach Liam Fox will continue to lead the side until the end of the season.
