Hearts transfer news: Star player breaks silence on departure, while former boss is linked as Scotland manager candidate.

Hearts continue preparations under Wouter Vrancken

Hearts are enjoying another eventful summer as preparations for the 2026/27 campaign continue under new head coach Wouter Vrancken.

Pre-season training is now well underway at Tynecastle, with the Belgian manager beginning work alongside his squad ahead of what promises to be a demanding season. One of the club’s biggest early challenges comes next month when Hearts face Austrian side Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

The Edinburgh club have already completed several pieces of transfer business as they look to strengthen the squad before that important European fixture. At the same time, there has also been significant movement in the opposite direction.

Former manager Derek McInnes has departed, while striker Lawrence Shankland and defender Michael Steinwender are among the notable players who have also moved on during the current transfer window.

Despite plenty of activity already taking place, Hearts are expected to remain busy before the market closes, with further arrivals and departures still anticipated as Vrancken continues shaping his squad.

John McGlynn backed for Scotland role

One of the biggest talking points involving a former Hearts figure is the growing support for John McGlynn as a possible successor to Steve Clarke as Scotland manager.

Clarke recently stepped down from the national team following Scotland’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to his seven-year spell in charge. As the Scottish Football Association begins searching for a replacement, McGlynn has emerged as one of the names being discussed.

The former Hearts manager has earned widespread praise for the outstanding work he has completed with Falkirk.

After guiding the club out of League One, McGlynn has overseen remarkable progress, helping establish Falkirk as an impressive top-six side in the Scottish Premiership.

His achievements have attracted admiration across Scottish football, with former Scotland international Stephen O’Donnell believing the experienced coach deserves serious consideration for the national team position.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the Motherwell defender admitted Scotland may choose a different direction following Clarke’s departure and suggested McGlynn fits that profile.

O’Donnell acknowledged there could be questions surrounding whether McGlynn has managed enough elite-level players throughout his career, but stressed that his coaching achievements should not be overlooked.

He explained that McGlynn has consistently impressed with the work he has carried out at Falkirk and is someone he greatly respects within the game.

O’Donnell even joked that, from a Motherwell perspective, seeing McGlynn leave Falkirk for the Scotland job would make life slightly easier for one of their league rivals.

Islam Chesnokov delighted with Tobol return

Islam Chesnokov has left Hearts | SNS Group

Former Hearts winger Islam Chesnokov has spoken publicly after returning to Kazakhstan and rejoining his former club, Tobol.

Chesnokov initially agreed a pre-contract move to Hearts before officially arriving at Tynecastle, but his spell in Edinburgh lasted only six months before he made the decision to head back home.

The winger has now revealed his happiness after completing his return to Kostanay.

Speaking following Tobol’s 3-1 victory over Altai Semey on Sunday, Chesnokov expressed his excitement about wearing the club’s colours once again.

He said he was delighted to be back in Kostanay, especially after celebrating a victory in front of the supporters.

The winger added that Tobol should always aim to win matches and promised the squad would work hard to maintain high standards throughout the remainder of the campaign.

He also thanked the supporters for their continued backing and warm reception following his return.

Tobol boss explains Chesnokov’s importance

Tobol head coach Miroslav Romashchenko believes Chesnokov’s return provides his side with greater tactical flexibility.

The manager explained that the winger’s versatility gives the coaching staff more options when selecting formations and adjusting attacking responsibilities during games.

According to Romashchenko, Chesnokov’s arrival allows the team to alter both shape and personnel depending on the demands of individual matches.

When asked whether the returning winger had effectively replaced Uros Milovanovic within the squad, the Tobol boss refused to rule out that possibility.

Instead, he simply stated that anything remains possible as the season develops.

Hearts academy pair complete Hamilton move

Two more players have officially left Hearts after academy graduates Kai Smutek and Gregor Crookston completed permanent transfers to Hamilton Academical.

Both youngsters spent the second half of last season with Hamilton and have now secured full-time moves after impressing during their loan spells.

The League One club confirmed that the pair have signed contracts running until the summer of 2028, subject to Scottish Football Association approval.

Hamilton announced the double signing in an official statement welcoming both players to the club.

Crookston, who is 19 years old, represented Scotland at Under-17 level before progressing through Hearts’ academy system. He also gained valuable experience playing for Hearts B before making the move to Hamilton.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old defender Smutek also developed through the Riccarton pathway and will now continue his senior career with Hamilton after making the switch permanent.

The club believes both players have significant potential and expects them to continue developing with regular first-team football.

Martin O’Neill expects another Hearts challenge

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill | SNS Group

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill believes Hearts will once again be among the strongest challengers in the Scottish Premiership next season.

Hearts came agonisingly close to winning last season’s league title before narrowly missing out on the final day after Celtic secured the championship at Parkhead.

Now permanently in charge of Celtic, O’Neill expects another fiercely competitive title race.

Speaking to the club’s media channels, he admitted the upcoming campaign is unlikely to become any easier.

The Celtic boss believes Rangers will improve significantly, while he also expects Hearts to remain major contenders despite the changes taking place at Tynecastle.

O’Neill insisted Hearts will not simply fade away and predicted they will continue fighting near the top of the table throughout the campaign.

He also revealed that every meeting with Hearts demanded maximum respect because of the quality they consistently displayed.

Reflecting on the current state of Scottish football, O’Neill said he believes the gap between Celtic and their domestic rivals has become smaller than it has been for many years.

He explained that he had similar concerns during his first spell managing Celtic more than two decades ago, but feels the competition has become even stronger now.

As Hearts continue preparing for a new era under Wouter Vrancken, optimism remains high around Tynecastle, with transfer activity, managerial speculation involving former figures and positive external recognition ensuring the club remains firmly in the spotlight ahead of the new season.