Heart of Midlothian have confirmed that Craig Halkett has put pen to paper on a new contract

Heart of Midlothian have confirmed that Craig Halkett has committed his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract, extending his stay at Tynecastle until the summer of 2028.

The commanding central defender has been a cornerstone of Derek McInnes’ side and remains one of the most influential figures in Hearts’ defensive unit. Since the head coach’s arrival, Halkett has continued to underline his importance, combining defensive authority with a surprising knack for contributing at the opposite end of the pitch.

This season, the 32-year-old has delivered consistently high-level performances. In 18 appearances across all competitions, he has helped Hearts record nine clean sheets, providing stability and leadership at the heart of the back line. His impact has not been limited to defensive duties, either. Halkett has scored five goals during the campaign, a notable return for a centre-back, with his most memorable strike coming in October’s Edinburgh derby, where his goal proved decisive.

That blend of reliability and threat in the opposition box has made Halkett an invaluable asset for McInnes as Hearts continue to push at the top end of the table. His ability to rise to big occasions, particularly in derby fixtures, has further cemented his status among supporters and within the dressing room.

Halkett is also closing in on a significant personal milestone. He currently sits just one appearance shy of 160 outings in maroon, a figure that highlights both his longevity and consistency since arriving in Gorgie. That landmark could be reached this weekend, should he return to action in Saturday’s Edinburgh derby at Easter Road. The defender missed last weekend’s victory over Rangers at Tynecastle, where Hearts strengthened their position at the summit of the league, but he is expected to be back in contention.

The new contract represents a clear signal of Hearts’ ambition and long-term planning. Securing an experienced and dependable figure like Halkett ensures continuity at the heart of the defence as the club looks to build sustained success under McInnes.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the Hearts head coach expressed his satisfaction at getting the deal over the line. McInnes highlighted both Halkett’s character and his importance to the team, noting that the defender has fully lived up to expectations during their time working together.

McInnes explained that over the past six months, he has worked closely with Halkett and has been impressed not only by his performances on the pitch, but also by his professionalism and influence off it. According to the head coach, Halkett embodies the qualities he values most in a player — commitment, consistency, and a willingness to lead by example.

The manager also described the contract extension as a strong statement from the club. In his view, tying down a player of Halkett’s calibre demonstrates Hearts’ intent to retain key figures and continue progressing in the right direction. McInnes made it clear that the defender will remain a central part of his plans moving forward, both in the immediate future and over the coming seasons.

For Halkett, the extension rewards years of service and reflects the trust placed in him by the coaching staff. Despite facing challenges with injuries earlier in his Hearts career, he has remained a resilient and influential presence whenever called upon. His form this season suggests he still has plenty to offer, and the club clearly believes he can continue performing at a high level through to the end of his new deal.

With crucial fixtures on the horizon and another Edinburgh derby approaching, the timing of the announcement adds further positivity around Tynecastle. Hearts supporters will take confidence from seeing a proven performer commit his future to the club, particularly one who has consistently delivered in the biggest matches.

As Hearts continue their push at the top of the table, Halkett’s renewed commitment provides stability, experience, and leadership at the back. The new contract not only rewards past performances but also reinforces the belief that he will remain a key figure in maroon for years to come.