Marc Leonard addresses Achilles injury, Hearts player exit and star 'ready' for Jambos move this summer

Hearts are turning their attentions to next season after the conclusion of the 25/26 Premiership campaign.

The Jambos lost the league on the final day in heartbreaking fashion against eventual champions Celtic but it does not take away from what was an outstanding opening term for boss Derek McInnes. He now has Champions League qualifiers to entice possible new recruits to Gorgie as Jamestown Analytics will again come under the microscope after finding gems like Claudio Braga last summer.

Falkirk attacker Calvin Miller is one of the latest linked, with St Johnstone’s Josh McPake already signing a pre-contract, while French midfielder Tom Renaud is also on the agenda. Keeping a hold of key stars will also be paramount in what is an important summer at Tynecastle. From their Birmingham City loanee’s injury address to one player’s exit, here are the latest news headlines when it comes to Hearts.

Josh McPake ‘ready’ for Hearts

Saints boss Simo Valakari believes McPake has all the tools to be an important Hearts player. The winger showed the potential he displayed at Rangers earlier in his career in a stunning season that aided St Johnstone’s immediate return to the Premiership and Valakari has no doubts that second tier joy can be turned to top flight success.

He said of the former Rangers player: "It's the best moment for him to go there and see what happens. No fear ? go there ready and he'll be OK. We talked with Josh that it was important he goes to Hearts with momentum. That's what he did, playing the whole season in a good way. Now you are going to a top team who will be playing European games.

"My advice to Josh is to be yourself, do the basics right every day in training. Because when you go to a big club, the competition is so huge you cannot have off days in training. I have no doubts he will be good for Hearts. Now he enters the best years of his career, most likely. You never know what the future holds but he's ready to do it."

Marc Leonard address to Hearts

Birmingham City loanee Marc Leonard has sent his thanks to Hearts after his time back in Gorgie ended with a serious injury. The midfielder faces missing a portion of next campaign after rupturing his Achilles at Motherwell earlier this month, having returned to the side he spent time as a youngster in January, making a good impact in midfield. His recovery has started as he remains under contract at Birmingham City and Hearts have been praised for how they’ve dealt with him.

Leonard said via Instagram: “I want to thank all the staff, players and fans at Heart of Midlothian FC. I couldn’t have enjoyed my time being back any more. A season everyone should be so proud of. Recovery starts now.”

Player leaves Hearts

Winger Dom Plank has left the club on a permanent basis for Stranraer. The attacker’s impressive form on loan with Chris Aitken’s side had triggered transfer interest but he now moves to Stranraer on a permanent deal to continue his development. Plank originally joined Hearts from Wolves in 2024.

A Stranraer statement reads: “Stranraer FC are thrilled to announce the permanent signing of Dom Plank ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Following a highly successful loan spell from Hearts last season, Planky returns on a permanent deal after establishing himself as a key member of Chris Aitken’s squad. A skilful and creative playmaker, Dom quickly became a favourite among supporters and his performances throughout the campaign were recognised with five trophies at the club’s end-of-season awards night. Despite attracting interest from clubs in higher divisions, The Cranleigh Cruyff sees unfinished business in Stranraer and has chosen to continue his journey with the Blues. Welcome back, Dom.”