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.
9. Callum Paterson (striker / right-back)
It is no secret that Hearts tried to bring him back to Gorgie in January, only to have their offer rejected. It is understood that Sheffield Wednesday are ready to offer the 28-year-old utility man a new contract, which would give the Scotland international a decision to make. Paterson was an important figure for the Owls this season, making 25 appearances in the league and contributing five goals and one assist. He signed for Wednesday three years ago from Cardiff City and has become a fan favourite at Hillsborough in that time. He would certainly be a fan favourite at Hearts, where he began his career. Photo: George Wood
10. Sam Byram (right-back)
The 29-year-old is looking for a new club after making only 54 appearances on four years at Norwich City, partly because of injury problems. He previously had four seasons at Leeds in the Championship and three at West Ham in the Premier League, so he certainly has pedigree. His potential wage demands would be the big stumbling block if other Championship clubs make him an offer, but Steven Naismith and Frankie McAvoy's Norwich connections are an advantage. The Scottish premiership would offer the former England Under-20 cap the chance to get his career back on track. Photo: Nigel French