Former Hearts star signs pre contract with SPFL club as summer transfer branded 'significant boost'
The former Hearts star is joining a club that are no strangers to hosting ex-Jambos.
A former Hearts star has signed a pre-contract with a fellow SPFL club ahead of next season.
Sam Nicholson has recently been in Jambos headlines after he was controversially judged to have handled the ball on Motherwell duty, giving Celtic a penalty that they converted to defeat the Steelmen 3-2, giving the Hoops a chance to down Hearts and claim Premiership glory on Saturday. They duly obliged in a 3-1 victory. Nicholson came through the ranks in Gorgie and made 127 appearances, since featuring for Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United, Bristol Rovers, and most recently Motherwell, who he joined in 2024.
Injury has wrecked his stint at Fir Park but will get a fresh start at Livingston after their relegation out the top flight and into the Championship. It’s been announced he will join the Almondvale side currently without a permanent manager, after Marvin Bartley’s exit, ahead of their attempts to make a return to the top flight. Former Hearts players like Ryan McGowan, Danny Wilson and Aidan Denholm are already in West Lothian while Macaulay Tait has spent the term on loan at Livi from Hearts.
What former Hearts player has joined Livingston?
A Livi statement reads: “We’re delighted to announce the signing of Sam Nicholson from Motherwell on a pre-contract agreement, subject to the usual SFA approvals. The 32-year-old winger arrives in West Lothian with a wealth of experience across Scotland, England, and the United States, bringing pace, creativity, and proven quality in the final third to the squad.
“Nicholson began his career with Heart of Midlothian, progressing through the youth ranks before breaking into the first team and establishing himself as an exciting attacking talent, making over 100 appearances for the Gorgie side. His performances in Edinburgh earned him a move to the United States, where he enjoyed spells in Major League Soccer with Minnesota United and Colorado Rapids, making over 100 appearances across his time in MLS.
“Sam returned to the UK in 2020 to sign for Bristol Rovers, spending two seasons at the Memorial Ground before heading back to Colorado Rapids in 2022. January 2024 saw him return to Scotland, initially joining Motherwell on loan before securing a permanent two-year deal at Fir Park ahead of the 2024/25 season.
What has Sam Nicholson said about leaving Motherwell?
“Comfortable operating on either wing, Nicholson’s pace, energy, and experience will provide a significant boost to the squad ahead of the new campaign.”
Nicholson said in a goodbye message to Motherwell, who finished fourth and qualified for Conference League qualifiers, after a 1-0 win over Hibs on Saturday: “First of all, I would like to thank the club, fans, players and coaches for my time here.
“It’s been a tough couple of years through a complicated injury. With that, I have enjoyed my time at this fantastic club, and I just want to pass on my gratitude for the support I have received during a tough time in my career. I wish you guys all the best in the future. Enjoy Europe; you guys certainly deserve it.”