Transfer exit option for Hearts winger Islam Chesnokov
Options are open to the player ahead of the new season
Hearts winger Islam Chesnokov has options to leave Scotland this summer following transfer interest from Kazakhstan. The player arrived in Edinburgh from Tobol Kostanay in January and is contracted until 2028, but he has the chance of a quick exit. Hearts would be entitled to a transfer fee if Chesnokov decides he would like to move.
The 26-year-old made 11 appearances for Hearts during the second half of the season and scored one goal - the winner against Falkirk in February’s Premiership tie. He has not yet fully established himself as a regular started in Derek McInnes’ team despite arriving with plenty hype from Kazakhstan.
Hearts pursued Chesnokov’s signature throughout 2025 and eventually secured him through a pre-contract agreement. He arrived amid much excitement from supporters and played a part as Hearts took the Premiership title race down to the final minutes of the season at Celtic Park. Chesnokov’s long-term future at Tynecastle Park is uncertain, however.
The player is keen to make his mark in British football but has taken time to adapt to the style of play and the frantic nature of games in this country. Clubs in his homeland have monitored his progress and are keen to take him back there if Hearts are willing to do a deal. Chesnokov is currently with his national team preparing for friendlies against Armenia and Yerevan on 6 June before facing Hungary in Debrecen three later. He currently has 24 international caps and is viewed as a key player for Kazakhstan.
There is unlikely to be an instant decision on Chesnokov’s future and Hearts are currently dealing with the departure of captain Lawrence Shankland to Rangers. He has agreed terms to move to Ibrox through a break clause in his three-year Hearts contract. He will sign a two-year contract with the option of a further year and is expected to have his future finalised before the week is out.
Shankland is due to begin World Cup preparations with Scotland on Tuesday as training sessions commence ahead of friendlies against Curacao and Bolivia. The national team start their World Cup campaign against Haiti in the USA on 13 June before further group games against Morocco and Brazil.
Hearts officials are preparing for major changes to the squad this summer with several players out of contract, including Cammy Devlin, Beni Baningime, Frankie Kent, Craig Gordon and Alan Forrest. St Johnstone winger Josh McPake has signed a pre-contract to join Hearts for next season, and French midfielder Tom Renaud has committed his future to the club.
Hearts are keen to sign defenders MJ Kamson-Kamara and Malachi Fagan-Walcott from Lincoln City and York City respectively. They are also interested in the Falkirk winger Calvin Miller as a player who could provide additional creativity in the final third. There will also be a replacement for 30-year-old Shankland to reinforce the forward line for next season.