Hearts Planning Aggressive Rebuild Ahead of 2025/26 Premiership Season
Hearts are pressing ahead with an ambitious rebuild as they prepare for the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership campaign, aiming to avoid the transfer inefficiencies that have plagued them in recent summers. With four new arrivals already confirmed and at least four more expected — possibly even more — Tynecastle is bracing for significant squad turnover, including a double-digit number of departures.
Norwegian right-back Christian Borchgrevink, Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis, Belgian forward Elton Kabangu, and Irish midfielder Oisin McEntee have all joined the club on long-term deals. Yet the recruitment drive is far from over. New head coach Derek McInnes and sporting director Graeme Jones are deep into reshaping a squad that finished a disappointing seventh last season.
Kazakhstan international Islam Chesnokov is expected to be the next addition. The left-footed inverted winger operates from the right, providing a natural balance to Kyziridis on the opposite flank. McInnes is known for favouring width and natural wingers on either side, so another traditional wide man remains high on the club’s shopping list.
A new striker is also a key priority. As reported by the Edinburgh News, McInnes wants to add a strong, mobile goalscorer to complement Kabangu and James Wilson. Several targets have already been identified. Meanwhile, efforts continue to retain club captain Lawrence Shankland, who is now a free agent. Talks between McInnes and the striker have been positive, and while Shankland has turned down at least one overseas approach, he has yet to sign a new deal.
The Hearts hierarchy is also considering the addition of a more attacking midfielder to inject greater creativity and cutting edge into the squad. The goal is to build a team capable of both carving open defences and withstanding the physical demands of top-tier Scottish football.
On the flip side of the transfer window, outgoings are inevitable. With the senior squad at 30 players, Hearts will need to trim numbers. Jamestown Analytics, the club’s recruitment data partner, advises on timing for player sales, often targeting those nearing the final year of their contracts to maximise value.
Players whose contracts expire in summer 2026 include Craig Gordon, Ryan Fulton, Craig Halkett, Frankie Kent, Lewis Neilson, Harry Milne, Beni Baningime, Aidan Denholm, Cammy Devlin, Finlay Pollock, and Alan Forrest. Among them, Kent and Baningime are likely to command the most interest. Barrie McKay and Jorge Grant have already exited on free transfers, with more expected to follow.
As for those under longer-term deals, the futures of Musa Drammeh and Calem Nieuwenhof — both signed through 2027 — remain uncertain. Kenneth Vargas, under contract until 2029, could also be sold if the right offer comes in. Sander Kartum faces stiff competition for minutes, while Yan Dhanda — a McInnes target during his time at Kilmarnock — is expected to feature prominently in pre-season.
Left-back James Penrice is being monitored by English clubs, though McInnes is reportedly keen to keep him.
With English teams typically waiting until pre-season resumes in July to advance transfer business, Hearts are moving early to secure their targets. That proactive approach will likely be welcomed by supporters eager to see their team start the new season with momentum.
