Derek McInnes Begins 2025/26 Preparations as New Hearts Boss
Hearts’ summer rebuild under new head coach Derek McInnes is well underway, with the club confirming the signing of Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis. The 24-year-old arrives on a free transfer after leaving Slovakian outfit Zemplín Michalovce and has agreed a three-year pre-contract deal, which kicks in next month.
Kyziridis, who prefers the left wing but can also play centrally or on the right, had a standout season in Slovakia—scoring 16 goals and providing eight assists in 26 matches. His signing was greenlit by McInnes shortly after his appointment earlier this week.
The Edinburgh side is continuing its search for attacking reinforcements, with Kazakhstan international Islam Chesnokov reportedly close to joining. The club is also exploring midfield options, while Belgian forward Elton Kabangu is set to make his loan move from Union Saint-Gilloise permanent.
Kyziridis becomes Hearts’ second signing of the summer following the arrival of Norwegian right-back Christian Borchgrevink, who joins from Valerenga on a pre-contract and will report for pre-season training at Riccarton in June. Meanwhile, winger Barrie McKay and midfielder Jorge Grant will depart when their contracts expire at the end of May. Hearts have tabled new offers to veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon and club captain Lawrence Shankland.
A Journey Across Europe to Tynecastle
Kyziridis developed in PAOK’s youth system before debuting professionally for Iraklis in 2019. He went on to play for Volos in the Greek Super League, then moved to Slovakia with ViOn Zlaté Moravce, followed by a stint in Hungary with Debrecen. During that time, he was also loaned to Mura in Slovenia.
He joined Zemplín Michalovce in August and quickly became one of the Slovak league’s top performers. Identified through Hearts’ collaboration with sports recruitment firm Jamestown Analytics, Kyziridis was seen as a valuable addition to the squad.
Hearts Official Statement on Kyziridis Signing
“Hearts are delighted to confirm the pre-contract capture of Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis,” read the club’s official announcement. “The 24-year-old will sign a three-year deal in the summer, pending Scottish FA approval, after leaving Slovakian top-flight side MFK Zemplín Michalovce.
“A quick and direct attacker with a knack for scoring, Alexandros finished second in the Slovak top division’s scoring chart this season, contributing 16 goals and registering 23 goal involvements in 28 appearances.”
From PAOK Roots to European Experience
“Originally from PAOK’s academy, Kyziridis made his senior debut with Iraklis before aiding Volos in maintaining their top-tier status. In 2020, he began his Slovak journey with ViOn Zlaté Moravce, helping them reach a UEFA Conference League playoff final in his first year. Though they narrowly missed qualification, he netted four times during the knockout rounds.
“The following campaign saw the club struggle, but Kyziridis impressed enough to earn a spot in the Slovak U21 Team of the Season. He then joined Hungarian giants Debrecen, helping them finish third in 2022/23 and qualify for Europe. Although the team narrowly missed out on European qualification the following year, Kyziridis featured in their Conference League run.
“This season, he returned to Slovakia with Zemplín Michalovce, where he led them to safety and a place in the European play-off. With 16 goals and seven assists, he finished as the league’s second-highest scorer.”
Hearts concluded, “Alexandros follows in the footsteps of Greek stars Takis Fyssas and Christos Karipidis in making the move to Gorgie, and we look forward to welcoming him to Tynecastle Park this June.”
