Hearts sign Leart Kabashi in a six-figure transfer as Tynecastle welcomes a 13th new player

Swiss teenager Leart Kabashi is Hearts’ 13th new signing after completing a six-figure transfer from Grasshopper Zurich. The highly-rated 18-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract after committing his future to the Edinburgh club. He will be part of the first-team squad and look to compete for game time, whilst developing and improving over the coming months and years.

Kabashi was ranked extremely highly by Hearts’ data-based recruitment partner, Jamestown Analytics, who recommended signing him now before his value rises. His contract at Grasshopper ran until 2028 but they accepted the offer from Tynecastle. Kabashi came through a medical examination and is now beginning the next stage of his career in the Scottish Capital.

He operates as an attacking midfielder who can play in the No.10 role or out wide. He is quick and direct with the ability to score goals from midfield, especially from distance. He made six competitive appearances for Grasshopper’s first team and scored one goal after coming through the club’s youth academy. Injuries hindered his progress following a senior debut two years ago, but Kabashi was a standout for Grasshopper II in the Swiss lower leagues. That helped elevate him back towards the club’s first-team squad this year.

As with the teenage Faroese winger Aron Benjaminsen, Hearts put Kabashi on a long-term contract in order to gradually feed him into the first team. Both players are considered projects at this point but will be given minutes at senior level during the season as so-called ‘transition players’.

A statement issued by Hearts confirming Kabashi’s arrival read: “Heart of Midlothian is delighted to confirm the signing of Leart Kabashi from Grasshopper Club Zurich.The Swiss teenager joins the Jambos for an undisclosed fee, subject to Scottish FA approval and international clearance.

“A highly regarded midfielder with an eye for goal, Leart has signed a four-year deal at Tynecastle Park. The 18-year-old is a product of Grasshopper’s academy system, impressing in youth sides and featuring regularly for the Zurich outfit’s U19s and U21s despite his young age.

“He scored 13 goals between both teams in a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign, which saw him enter the Grasshopper first team picture and make his first team debut in February 2025. He scored his first senior goal in his second appearance and to date has featured on six occasions.

“Leart’s development at club level has been matched on the international stage. Having represented Switzerland at U16, U17 and U18 level, he has continued his progression through the national-team pathway and is now part of the Swiss U19 set-up. Comfortable in the middle of the park and with an attacking edge to his game, Leart now calls Gorgie his home and will continue his development in maroon.”