10 out-of-contract players Hearts could sign – including Finland international and 2 ex-Scotland caps
Hearts will be looking to strengthen their squad in several areas this summer, with new sporting director Joe Savage working with Steven Naismith – if he gets the job – on priority positions.
Right-back will be one of them. James Hill has returned to Bournemouth now that his loan is over and Michael Smith, soon to be 35, has been released after seven years of service and more than 200 appearances. That leaves Australian international Nathaniel Atkinson as the only senior right-back in the squad and he has struggled for game time throughout the season.
Central midfield is another area Hearts will be looking to strengthen, although the return of Beni Baningime after more than a year out injured will be almost like a new signing. Cammy Devlin and Peter Haring are backed up by squad players Andy Halliday and Jorge Grant, but Hearts will be looking for more quality in that area, someone who can control games in possession and make things happen in the final third.
Captain Lawrence Shankland will probably be attracting interest after a brilliant season in Gorgie, scoring 28 goals and fellow frontman Josh Ginnelly is out of contract, so Hearts will be looking for a new striker just in case one or both depart.
It’s not easy to compete in the transfer market with EFL Championship and even League One clubs down south who can offer far more in wages, so Hearts have to be clever. Savage has been largely successful in the transfer market so far, and Australia could be worth looking at again for good value.
Here are 10 players who are out of contract this summer that could be worth considering. What do you think?
Central midfield is another area Hearts will be looking to strengthen, although the return of Beni Baningime after more than a year out injured will be almost like a new signing. Cammy Devlin and Peter Haring are backed up by squad players Andy Halliday and Jorge Grant, but Hearts will be looking for more quality in that area, someone who can control games in possession and make things happen in the final third.
5. Scott Arfield (central midfielder)
He'll be 35 in November, but the outgoing Rangers man still has a lot to offer in the top flight of Scottish football. Drive, determination, exuberance, experience and goals are just some of the things he could bring to the Hearts midfield after 231 appearances and 43 goals for Rangers. A larger-than-life personality, his leadership and positivity would make a huge impact on the dressing room. He won't be short of offers though. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
6. Josh Key (right-back)
The 24-year-old has been outstanding for Gary Caldwell at Exeter City, who finished 14th in League One, and is looking to make the step up to a higher level. Right-back, of course, is a position Hearts will be looking to strengthen and Key would offer re-sale value and provide Nathaniel Atkinson with competition. He came through the ranks at Exeter and made 48 appearances in the season just finished, scoring four goals and and collecting two assists. That suggests he is a consistent performer. He is an attacking right-back, comfortable in the wing-back role or even at right midfield. Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers are rumoured to be interested. Photo: Harry Trump
7. James McArthur (central midfielder)
After nine seasons in the Premier League, the former Scotland international undoubtedly has the quality and extensive experience to make an impact at Tynecastle Park. He's 35 now, so that may limit the amount of interest elsewhere and make Hearts a realistic proposition if he fancies returning to Scotland. Of course, the former Hamilton player would be taking a huge wage cut to return north of the border but money might not be a priority at this stage of his career. McArthur made 253 appearances in all competitions for Palace shirt, scoring 19 times, and wearing the captain's armband many times. One drawback is that he has had injury problems in the season that's just finished. Photo: Matt McNulty
8. Sam McClelland (centre-back)
The 21-year-old has spent the season in League Two on loan at Barrow from Chelsea and fits and has one senior cap for Northern Ireland. At six foot three he could be a commanding presence at the back for Hearts, something they have lacked in the season just ended. McClelland, who joined Chelsea from Coleraine in 2018 and has captained the development squad at Stamford Bridge on numerous occasions, was a key player for Barrow, making 30 appearances in all competitions and helping the club to a ninth-placed finish. It was his first season of first-team football and he is now considering his options. Photo: PETE NORTON