Hearts in talks to sign MJ Kamson-Kamara as a new transfer target arrives in Edinburgh

Hearts are in talks to sign 20-year-old English centre-back MJ Kamson-Kamara from Lincoln City. He has impressed on loan at Northern Irish side Glentoran this season and is highly rated by the Edinburgh club’s recruitment partner, Jamestown Analytics.

Tynecastle officials have studied Kamson-Kamara closely and admire his athleticism, aggression and composure as a right-footed central defender. He is keen to play at a higher level and the Edinburgh News has learned that a move to Scotland’s Premiership for next season appeals to the player. Hearts face competition for Kamson-Kamara’s signature, however he is available on freedom of contract as his Lincoln City agreement is due to expire next month.

With another transfer target arriving in Edinburgh over the weekend in the shape of French midfielder Tom Renaud, Hearts’ summer business is intensifying. Renaud is expected at Tynecastle Park this evening to watch Hearts play Rangers in a critical game in the Premiership title race. He has held advanced discussions with the Gorgie club and is expected to join in time for next season, alongside the St Johnstone winger Josh McPake.

A deal for Kamson-Kamara is still being discussed but it is understood all parties are confident that an agreement will be reached. The defender started his career at Bromley and began working with the XYZ Academy aged 16. He then moved to Lincoln and signed his first professional contract in February 2023. After loan spells at Barwell and Peterborough Sports Club, he was farmed out to Glentoran last August.

Kamson-Kamara earned a nomination for Young Player of the Year from the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association this season as he helped Glentoran finish third and secure their return to European competition. The club’s assistant coach Tim McCann stated last month that they wanted the player to stay in Northern Ireland. “You'd be obviously looking to do that. That would be the plan, yeah,” he commented.

“We're looking at his loan and seeing what happens there. I think it's something that the club's probably already looking at. He has been fantastic. For such a young guy, 20 years of age, he's playing like a seasoned pro. He's been absolutely fantastic. He's great to have around the club. He's still very young, he's been brilliant. He's got an old head on young shoulders.”

Kamson-Kamara hinted in a social media post that he would not be staying with Glens after enjoying a strong campaign with them. “It's been an absolute pleasure to represent this football club and wear the shirt with pride,” he posted. “I'm grateful to all the players, staff, and most of all, the fans who've supported us through the ups and downs.

“I've learned a lot, made mistakes, but created memories that I'll always treasure. I've enjoyed every moment of my loan spell and wish the club all the very best for the future. The way the club is moving, I have no doubt these players will bring back some silverware that the club and supporters deserve. Thank you Glens.”

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