Grasshopper Zurich teenager is to join the Edinburgh club

Hearts intend to strengthen their attacking options by signing Swiss teenager Leart Kabashi before Thursday’s transfer deadline. The Grasshopper Zurich player was identified by Jamestown Analytics as a youngster with huge potential, prompting a move from Tynecastle officials to bring him to Edinburgh. They are now set to complete a deal for the highly-rated 18-year-old.

Kabashi is contracted at Grasshopper until summer 2028 so Hearts are paying a six-figure fee to secure the Switzerland Under-19 internationalist. He is viewed as a player who can develop in Scotland and become a major asset. Hearts are also close to signing 18-year-old Faroese winger Aron Benjaminsen for similar reasons after Jamestown’s data system ranked both players highly.

Benjaminsen is due to arrive in Edinburgh today and will undergo a medical before putting pen to paper with Hearts. He scored nine goals and claimed nine assists in 26 appearances for Vikingur Gota in the Faroe Islands this year. An under-21 internationalist with his country, he is keen to test himself at a higher level abroad. Hearts agreed a deal with Vikingur last week for a modest transfer fee which could reach six figures. Benjaminsen made his final appearance for Vikingur against Havnar Bóltfelag on Friday night and claimed an assist as his team lost 3-1.

Kabashi is heading to Scotland to finalise his move. He operates as an attacking midfielder who can play in the No.10 role or out wide. He is a product of the Grasshopper youth system and is considered one of Switzerland’s most exciting young talents. He made his senior debut two years ago and was hindered by injuries last season. After a strong pre-season campaign, he now looks ready for regular first-team football. He is quick and direct with the ability to score goals from midfield - and likes to shoot from distance. So far, he has made six competitive appearances for Grasshopper’s first team and scored one goal.

As with Benjaminsen, Hearts want to sign Kabashi whilst he is still emerging because his value is expected to soar over the coming months. The club intend to put both players on long-term contracts and gradually feed them into the Tynecastle first team. They will be regarded as projects but will be given exposure to competitive action throughout the season as so-called ‘transition players’.

American striker JJ Williams last week became the 11th new signing in Gorgie after arriving from USL Championship side Rhode Island. His transfer was completed for a fee in the region of £100,000 and he was an unused substitute as Hearts beat St Johnstone 2-1 in Saturday’s Premiership match at Tynecastle.

The Edinburgh News revealed earlier this month that Hearts had submitted an offer for Williams, who scored 11 goals and claimed five assists from 23 appearances with Rhode Island this year. He quickly agreed terms to move to Scotland, and is now set to be followed by two teenage protégés in Benjaminsen and Kabashi.

Although the Scottish transfer window closes at 5pm this Thursday, 3 September, Hearts must submit their European squad for the Conference League to UEFA by 10.59pm UK time on Wednesday. That means any new recruits they intend to use during the upcoming league phase of the competition need to be done and registered by Wednesday night.