Hearts secure a sixth new signing for a six-figure transfer fee

Sabri Guendouz today completed an £850,000 transfer to Hearts from the Belgian club Beerschot as the Tynecastle recruitment drive continues. The French forward arrived in Edinburgh on Monday for a medical before putting pen to paper on a three-year contract. He is Hearts’ sixth new recruit of the summer, with more set to follow.

Guendouz was identified by Jamestown Analytics as a player who could be suited to playing in Scottish football. He is a direct, pacy and skillful attacker who can operate as a right or left winger, but who is also effective through the middle. He joined Beerschot last summer from the French Ligue 2 club Guingamp and his contract there ran until summer 2027. Beerschot had an option to extend it before agreeing a deal with Hearts. He scored three goals and claimed seven assists in 33 appearances in Belgium’s second division this season.

In a statement confirming Guendouz’s arrival, Hearts said: “French forward Sabri Guendouz has become Heart of Midlothian’s sixth signing of the summer. An exciting, direct attacker, 26-year-old Sabri joins the Jambos from Belgian club Beerschot on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance and Scottish FA approval.

“A product of French outfit Valenciennes’ youth system, Sabri cut his teeth in the Championnat National 3 before moving to Guingamp in 2020. Gaining professional experience in their B side, he was promoted to the first team and enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2024/25, helping them to the promotion play-offs and a Coupe de France quarter-final.

“Last season he made the move to Belgium where he became Beerschot’s creative outlet with 10 goal contributions, as well as leading the way in xAssists, xA per 90, most successful dribbles and most penalties won. Beerschot finished third in the league, missing out on promotion after being edged out in their play-off final.

“Sabri now swaps purple for maroon as he joins up with new team-mates for pre-season, ahead of the Jambos’ Champions League second qualifying round first leg against Sturm Graz on 21st July.”

Hearts are also hoping to announce the arrival of French midfielder Tom Renaud in the coming days, which would take the number of new recruits to seven. Wingers Josh McPake and Calvin Miller, defenders MJ Kamson-Kamara and Malachi Fagan-Walcott, plus striker Amadou Ba-Sy have already signed for the Edinburgh club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Tynecastle officials are working on other potential new arrivals and there remains the prospect of some outgoing transfers. Portuguese forward Claudio Braga is wanted by French side Lyon, but Hearts want a transfer fee between £8m and £10m to let him leave. There is also speculation surrounding Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis after he enjoyed a strong first season in Scotland.

Hearts are close to appointing a new head coach after identifying the Belgian Wounter Vrancken as the man they want to succeed Derek McInnes. He will have input on new signings going forward.