An inconsistent (or injured) winger for the majority of his first two-and-a-half seasons at Tynecastle, he was electric in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, scoring regularly, stretching the opposition and building up a terrific partnership with Lawrence Shankland after being converted into a forward.
With the player previously admitting he wants to be closer to his family – who currently stay down south – it’s looking increasingly likely that he moves on with his contract up this summer, especially as Maccabi Haifa are another contender who can offer Champions League football.
With this in mind, this author has put on his scouting cap and tried to identify a group of forwards with similar styles to Ginnelly which Hearts can target and realistically get this transfer window.
. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JULY 31: Josh Ginnelly of Hearts during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic at Tynecastle Park on July 31, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
Josh Ginnelly looks like he could be leaving Hearts this summer. Picture: Getty Photo: Steve Welsh
. Dipo Akinyemi (Ayr United)
The top scorer in the Scottish Championship last season would represent something of a gamble as we're yet unsure whether he can do it in the top flight, but then people said the same of Lawrence Shankland. A fee in the low six-figures would be required, however, as he still has a year left on his deal. Photo: Pete Norton
. Siriki Dembele (Bournemouth)
Raised in Scotland since he was 8, the winger/striker is the older brother of Karamoko Dembele, who was once labelled a 'wonderkid' at Celtic. Siriki was loaned out by Bournemouth in January to Auxerre and will likely be shipped out again with first-team opportunities limited in the EPL. Hearts should have a decent relationship with the Cherries after James Hill's loan. Photo: FRED TANNEAU
9. Jamie Maclaren (Melbourne City)
Hearts love an Aussie, so why not go to the A-League and bring back a regular scorer? So what he had a couple of loan spells at Hibs? His dad was a former Hearts youth product and there are Jambos in his family. A natural finisher who works hard from the front, he could strike up a decent pairing with Lawrence Shankland. Plus, it'll be a great laugh if/when he scores in derbies. Photo: Mark Metcalfe
10. Eamonn Brophy (St Mirren)
Let's finish up with a not-very-inspiring option from the Scottish top flight. It is slim pickings if Hearts want to find a replacement for the same division, unless you want Tony Watt to come back (definitely not a Ginnelly replacement) or the oft-injured and aging Marley Watkins. Brophy has represented Scotland and may thrive in a team which creates chances for him. He absolutely loves a shot at goal. Photo: Ian MacNicol