Hearts transfer latest as target says goodbye to current club and Jamestown Analytics arrives at new team
Here are some of the latest Hearts transfer headlines as a blockbuster summer continues.
It’s been a frantic summer at Hearts that shows no signs of slowing down as a new manager prepares to arrive.
Belgian boss Wouter Vrancken is lined up to become Derek McInnes’ successor with recruitment software Jamestown Analytics put centre stage amid exits for the likes of Lawrence Shankland. Michael Steinwender has departed this week and a record fee will be needed if Lyon are to sign Claudio Braga.
There has been plenty of recruitment done in terms of incomings too and there’s little let up ahead of Champions League qualifiers against Sturm Graz next month. Here are some of the latest Hearts transfer headlines.
Sabri Guendouz sends message amid Hearts transfer talks
Beerschot winger Sabri Guendouz has said goodbye to the Belgian side ahead of a proposed move to Hearts. The 26-year-old Frenchman scored three goals with seven assists last season for the second tier club he joined last summer but a fee of around £850,000 has been agreed to join Hearts. A goodbye has now been penned to Beerschot.
Guendouz wrote on social media: “Today, it’s time to say goodbye. It has been short and fast, but this season has been intense, marked by a great collective journey and a playoff run. Unfortunately, we were not able to take the club where it truly deserves to be. But beyond the sporting side, I am above all proud to have been part of this group, this team, this club. I have learned a lot, I have improved, and I have grown, both as a man and as a footballer.
“I would like to thank the director Murat and Steve, the CEO, for the trust they placed in me from the very beginning by choosing me among many others. I would also like to thank the staff, the coach, and everyone working behind the scenes at the club who make sure we lack nothing every single day. Thank you to my teammates, who supported me, helped me, and allowed me to give the best version of myself through all the highs and lows. Each of you will always have a special place in my heart for this season. And finally, thank you to everyone at the club for this powerful human experience.
“To the fans, thank you for your unwavering support. No matter where we played, we always felt at home thanks to your passion. I will miss this atmosphere. I leave with many memories, respect, gratitude, and above all appreciation. Thank you Jesus, for the strength you gave me throughout this season. Beyond football, there is everything people don’t see: the sacrifices, the effort, the moments of doubt, the daily discipline, the pressure, the setbacks… and it is in all of this that Your presence helped me stay strong, keep working, and keep my faith. Every day, You gave me the strength to get up, to fight, and to strive to become a better version of myself, both on and off the pitch. Thank you Beerschot.”
Lawrence Shankland welcomes Derek McInnes
Scotland striker Shankland is on World Cup duty with the national team currently but believes swapping Hearts for Rangers like he did last month is a good move for McInnes. The former Ibrox player has departed Gorgie after one full season in the dugout that came within touching distance of a first Premiership title since the 60s.
He said: “I saw the news while I was over here. I’m pleased for the manager. I’ve not really had too much time to think about it. It’s something I’m putting to the back of my mind. I’m looking forward to a fresh start when I go back, but right now I’m focusing on this World Cup and enjoying the tournament. Time has gone really fast! I looked at the date since when everything happened at the end of the season to getting to this point, it’s not actually been that long. The main thing is that I want to just enjoy this tournament, and I’ll think about the rest of the stuff when I get back home. It’s a good opportunity for him, and I’m pleased for myself to be there.”
Jamestown Analytics arrives at Swansea City
English Championship side Swansea City have announced a strategic partnership with Jamestown. The tool owned by Hearts investor and Brighton chairman Tony Bloom has proven the envy of many clubs with the Welsh-based side the latest to have access to it. Hearts have recruited Braga, Alexandros Kyziridis and more using the software.
A club statement reads: “Swansea City is delighted to confirm the club has entered into a strategic partnership with player recruitment data specialists Jamestown Analytics. While the club’s recruitment approach in recent years has been data led, we are continuously looking to make improvements to how we operate – in line with our strategic pillar of Kaizen. As such, this partnership means Swansea City now has access to world-leading, industry-renowned expertise that can help the club work as efficiently as possible in our player trading model. This partnership will sit alongside our scouting processes and operations to identify the players we want to bring to Swansea City, and bring balance to complement a settled squad where, for the first time in a number of years, all key senior players are under contract.”
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