Hearts player returns to Tynecastle as he eyes 'unbelievable' achievement spanning two fronts
The player has spent time away from Hearts this season and claimed silverware.
Adam Forrester has been recalled by Hearts, according to St Johnstone, as he returns to Tynecastle.
Both the Premiership leaders and Championship champions signed a cooperation loan agreement for this season, with the Scotland youth international having swapped colours six times, throughout the duration of this 2025/26 season. Forrester has made 36 appearances in all competitions for Hearts and rules of the co-operation loan means he could feature again for Derek McInnes’ team before the end of May.
Hearts are top of the league by three points, as four games stand between the club and a first title since 1960, ahead of next Monday’s clash versus Rangers at Tynecastle. The right-back has made 19 appearances in the second tier for Saints boss Simo Valakari this season, assisting one goal, as their immediate return to the top flight was confirmed last week. Valakari admits it would be something seismic if Forrester could now play his part in another title win.
What has happened with Adam Forrester at St Johnstone?
“Adam has been called back,” Valakari said to The Courier. “It would be unbelievable if he’s part of another title-winning squad. I don’t know if it has ever happened!”
A statement from St Johnstone reads: “Champion. We can confirm that Adam Forrester has returned to Hearts. Everyone at the club thanks Adam for his efforts over the course of the campaign and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Forrester featured for Hearts as recently as January’s Scottish Cup exit to Falkirk. Rules of the co-operation loans as set out by the SFA last summer reads: “A new Cooperation System, which will boost opportunities for young Scottish players during a vital stage of their development, is now live, with players free to move under the new system from the opening of the summer transfer window.
What are co-operation loans in Scottish football?
“The proposal was passed by clubs earlier this year, following extensive consultation since the Scottish FA’s Transition Report was published in 2024. The Cooperation System provides greater flexibility to the previous domestic loan quotas by enabling players in the key ‘transition phase’ of 16-21, who are eligible to represent the Scotland national teams, to join a lower-league club but be able to move between the parent and cooperation club throughout the season to increase playing time.
“Clubs can now enter into Cooperation Agreements, with players then free to move under the new system from the opening of the Transfer Window on Monday, 16 June. Along with this change, a revamped KDM Evolution Trophy was also launched by the SPFL last month, in a further move to support the progression of the best young players in the country.
“The new set-up will include William Hill Premiership B teams in a league phase format, providing more opportunities for youth players aged under 21, as they move from the academy environment to senior football.”
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