Hearts confirm the signing of a French striker, with the fee disclosed and a medical scheduled for the next new player.

Hearts have officially completed the signing of French forward Amadou Ba-Sy, making him the club’s fourth addition of the summer transfer window as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season. The towering attacker has arrived from French third-tier side Rouen after the two clubs agreed a transfer fee worth €200,000, which is approximately £173,000.

Ba-Sy has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Tynecastle Park, although the move remains subject to the necessary visa approval, international clearance, and registration procedures. Once those formalities are completed, the 25-year-old will join his new teammates at Hearts’ Riccarton training base as pre-season preparations get underway.

The Edinburgh club had shown an interest in securing Ba-Sy’s services earlier in the year. Hearts attempted to bring him to Scotland during the January transfer window, but Rouen were unwilling to sanction a sale at the time. The French outfit were heavily involved in a promotion challenge and wanted to retain one of their key attacking players as they pushed for a place in Ligue 2.

Rouen eventually came close to achieving promotion but narrowly missed out after suffering defeat to Stade Lavallois in the promotion play-offs. Following that disappointment, Ba-Sy made it clear that he was eager to pursue a new challenge and continue his career in Scottish football. Hearts renewed their efforts and successfully concluded negotiations to bring him to Gorgie.

Standing at an imposing 6ft 3in, Ba-Sy offers versatility across the attacking line. While he possesses the physical attributes to operate as a traditional target man, he is equally comfortable playing as a supporting striker or drifting into wider attacking positions. His flexibility is one of the key qualities that attracted Hearts manager Derek McInnes and the club’s recruitment team.

During the most recent campaign with Rouen, Ba-Sy made 29 appearances and contributed significantly to the team’s attacking output. He scored six goals and provided four assists, helping the club secure a strong finish in the Championnat National. His performances throughout the season convinced Hearts that he could add a different dimension to their forward options.

Although Ba-Sy has arrived in Edinburgh as an attacking reinforcement, the club do not regard him as a direct replacement for former captain Lawrence Shankland. Shankland’s departure has left a major void in Hearts’ attack, but the new signing is expected to contribute across various roles in the front line rather than occupy one specific position. The club are still actively pursuing another proven goalscorer to fill the vacancy left by the Scotland international.

Ba-Sy joins a growing list of new arrivals at Tynecastle. Prior to his signing, Hearts had already secured deals for Josh McPake, MJ Kamson-Kamara, and Calvin Miller as they seek to strengthen the squad ahead of a campaign that promises to include both domestic and European challenges.

The recruitment drive does not stop there. Hearts have also reached an agreement to sign fellow Frenchman Tom Renaud from Versailles. Unlike Ba-Sy, Renaud will arrive on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract. The midfielder is expected to report for pre-season training alongside the rest of the squad and is viewed as another important addition to McInnes’ rebuilding plans.

Despite completing several deals already, Hearts remain active in the transfer market. The club’s hierarchy are continuing their search for further midfield reinforcements and are determined to secure an established striker capable of replacing the goals and leadership previously provided by Shankland.

Another transfer is also moving closer to completion. York City defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott is expected to undergo a medical examination this week before finalising a switch to the Scottish capital. Hearts and York reached an agreement in principle last week, paving the way for the 24-year-old centre-back to continue his career in Edinburgh.

The transfer package is understood to involve a substantial six-figure fee, reflecting the high regard in which Fagan-Walcott is held. The defender has already agreed personal terms with Hearts, leaving the medical assessment and final paperwork as the remaining steps before the move can be officially announced.

Hearts view Fagan-Walcott as a key addition to their defensive unit. His arrival is particularly important following the serious injury suffered by Craig Halkett. The experienced centre-back ruptured his Achilles tendon last month and is not expected to return to action until sometime next year, creating a significant gap in the squad.

The need for defensive reinforcements has also been increased by the departure of Frankie Kent, whose contract expired at the end of the season. With one senior centre-back sidelined and another leaving the club, Hearts identified Fagan-Walcott as a priority target capable of strengthening the back line immediately.

The defender attracted attention after an outstanding season with York City in England’s National League. He played a major role in helping the club secure promotion back to the Football League, with his performances earning widespread praise throughout the campaign. As a result, several clubs monitored his progress and expressed an interest in signing him.

York were initially reluctant to sell one of their most valuable assets. Fagan-Walcott remains under contract until 2029, giving the English club a strong negotiating position. Hearts had more than one bid rejected before eventually reaching an agreement that satisfied all parties involved.

For the player, the move represents an opportunity to compete at a higher level. Hearts can offer regular top-flight football in the Scottish Premiership, as well as the possibility of participating in European competition. The club’s involvement in Champions League qualifying rounds beginning in July was viewed as an attractive aspect of the project presented to the defender.

Following the completion of Ba-Sy’s transfer, Hearts released an official statement welcoming the Frenchman to Tynecastle. The club expressed delight at securing the striker’s signature and highlighted both his physical presence and technical qualities.

According to the statement, Ba-Sy arrives with valuable experience gained in both France and Portugal. Before establishing himself in senior football, he developed through the youth academy of Nice, one of France’s most respected development systems. He made appearances for the club’s reserve team as a teenager, demonstrating promise from an early age.

His first full season at senior level came with Gazelec Ajaccio during the 2021/22 campaign. There, he enjoyed a productive year and reached double figures for goals, underlining his potential as an attacking player capable of making a significant impact.

Ba-Sy’s performances subsequently earned him a move to Dunkerque. During his time there, he helped the club achieve promotion to Ligue 2, gaining valuable experience in a successful environment and contributing to a campaign that culminated in elevation to the second tier of French football.

His development continued to attract interest from clubs outside France. In January 2024, Portuguese top-flight side Vizela moved to secure his services after being impressed by his displays. The transfer gave him an opportunity to test himself in a different league and broaden his footballing experience.

A subsequent loan spell with Academica de Coimbra provided another important chapter in his career. During that period, his goals proved crucial in helping the Portuguese club avoid relegation, further enhancing his reputation as a player capable of making decisive contributions when under pressure.

The 2025/26 season saw Ba-Sy return to France with Rouen. His campaign was a productive one, as he contributed a total of ten goals and assists across 29 appearances. Those contributions helped Rouen finish third in the league standings, narrowly missing automatic promotion by just three points before eventually falling short in the play-off final.

Hearts believe the striker’s blend of strength, versatility, and technical ability can make him an important figure in the squad. The club described him as a powerful forward who combines physical presence with quality on the ball, characteristics they feel will suit the demands of Scottish football.

Having decided to leave France and embrace a new challenge abroad, Ba-Sy now becomes one of Derek McInnes’ latest recruits as Hearts continue assembling a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. With domestic ambitions high and European fixtures looming on the horizon, the Tynecastle side are determined to ensure they enter the new campaign with greater depth, quality, and competition for places throughout the team.

The arrival of Ba-Sy, the impending signing of Fagan-Walcott, and the anticipated addition of Tom Renaud underline Hearts’ determination to strengthen every area of the squad. As pre-season approaches, supporters will be encouraged by the club’s proactive transfer business and hopeful that these new additions can help deliver success in what promises to be an exciting and demanding season ahead.