It’s been a busy summer at Hearts and now head coach Derek McInnes knows who he’s working with for the first half of the season.
Claudio Braga, Elton Kabangu, Christian Borchgrevink, Alexandros Kyziridis, Sabah Kerjota, Oisin McEntee, Pierre Landry Kabore, Tomas Bent Magnusson and Stuart Findlay all arrived this summer before two more signings in the final week of the window. A club record was smashed to bring in midfielder Ageu while goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow brings vast experience from Germany.
There were some departures sealed too and loans for others, in a summer where Jamestown Analytics played a key role in recruitment. Hearts have started the season strongly in the Premiership with 10 points from 12 and excitement is brewing over what can be achieved. Ranking every deal, with an A+ being top of the range and an F being a total disaster (although you won’t find any here), here’s how we rated Hearts business this summer.
17. Oisin McEntee (IN) - A
Maybe not the flashiest but can cover defensive midfield, central midfield, centre-back if need be and right-wing-back all fairly well. The type of player clubs in the Premiership need in their squads. | SNS Group
18. Stuart Findlay (IN) - A+
Instant starter, knows the manager, knows the league and now a goalscorer at the back. Made sense on so many levels and it's showing. | SNS Group
19. Overall grade - A
Did Hearts have the best window of any club? There's an argument to be made. They showed ambition with spending, have clearly signed quality and areas needing bolstered have been addressed. Penrice sale a feather in trading model cap too. Perhaps would have liked more players out as the squad does look big but the power of Jamestown really came to the fore. A few players here who look likely to become favourites. | SNS Group