Michael Stewart urges Hearts to target a ‘top class’ Rangers star, suggesting they could secure a significant profit.

Michael Stewart believes Heart of Midlothian should seriously consider making a move for highly-rated Rangers youngster Findlay Curtis this summer.

The teenage forward is currently part of Scotland national football team’s squad for this summer’s World Cup tournament taking place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Curtis’ inclusion in Steve Clarke’s squad represents a remarkable rise for the 19-year-old, especially considering he struggled for regular game time at Rangers during the first half of last season.

That lack of opportunities at Ibrox eventually led to the youngster joining Kilmarnock on loan for the second half of the campaign — a move that ultimately proved hugely beneficial for his development.

Steve Clarke Praised Curtis’ Loan Decision

Scotland manager Steve Clarke publicly praised Curtis for choosing to leave Rangers temporarily in search of consistent first-team football.

The move to Kilmarnock allowed the teenager to showcase his talent at senior level, and his performances quickly justified the decision.

Curtis finished the season strongly with Killie, becoming one of the club’s most exciting attacking players during the latter stages of the campaign.

His form was impressive enough to earn him a surprise place in Scotland’s World Cup squad, underlining just how rapidly his reputation has grown over recent months.

Now, with Rangers reportedly edging closer to completing a move for Lawrence Shankland, Stewart has suggested Hearts should attempt to bring Curtis in the opposite direction.

Curtis Has Shown Why Rangers Fans Rate Him So Highly

During his short loan spell with Kilmarnock, Curtis delivered excellent attacking numbers that highlighted his enormous potential.

The teenager registered five goals and one assist in just 14 appearances, proving he could make a significant impact even at senior level.

Those performances reinforced why many Rangers supporters have been so excited about his future for several years.

Despite still being only 19 years old, Curtis now appears ready to contribute regularly in first-team football.

In fact, if he manages to feature prominently for Scotland during the World Cup, his reputation could grow even further and attract interest from clubs beyond Scotland.

There is already a growing sense that Curtis could become one of the country’s brightest young attacking talents if his development continues at the current rate.

Rangers Must Decide What Comes Next

As Curtis continues to progress, Rangers now face an important decision regarding his immediate future.

The club must determine whether the youngster is ready to become a regular part of their first-team squad next season or whether another loan move would be more beneficial for his development.

That uncertainty is what prompted Stewart to suggest Hearts should test Rangers’ resolve by making an offer for the player.

Speaking on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social, Stewart argued that Hearts should be ambitious enough to pursue Curtis if Rangers cannot guarantee him consistent opportunities.

According to the former midfielder, Hearts could potentially secure a future star while also making a huge profit from him later in his career.

Stewart suggested the Edinburgh side should be willing to spend money on a permanent deal because Curtis possesses qualities capable of transforming games.

He described the teenager as a “difference maker” and labelled him “top class,” insisting any investment would likely pay for itself many times over in the future.

Permanent Sale To Hearts Seems Highly Unlikely

While Stewart’s comments have generated discussion, the reality is that Rangers are unlikely to seriously entertain the idea of selling Curtis this summer — especially to a domestic rival.

The teenager is viewed internally as one of the club’s most promising academy products, and his rapid development has only strengthened belief in his long-term potential.

Allowing a player of that quality to join a likely Premiership rival would represent a huge gamble for Rangers, particularly given the possibility Curtis could become an important first-team player in the near future.

There is little doubt that his value will continue to rise if he keeps improving at the same pace.

For that reason alone, Rangers are expected to be extremely cautious about any approach for the youngster.

Contract Situation Becoming Increasingly Important

However, there is another factor complicating the situation for Rangers.

Curtis currently has only 12 months remaining on his contract at Ibrox, creating potential uncertainty regarding his future.

If no extension is agreed before January, the youngster would become free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with clubs elsewhere.

That possibility naturally increases the pressure on Rangers to resolve the situation quickly.

Curtis has already shown he is capable of performing consistently at senior level, and his growing reputation means interest from other clubs is likely to intensify.

A strong World Cup showing with Scotland would only strengthen his position further and potentially attract attention from teams outside Scotland as well.

Curtis Has Proven He Can Deliver At Senior Level

The teenager’s statistics from last season suggest he is already progressing well beyond academy football.

Across all competitions, Curtis recorded three goals and two assists in 21 appearances for Rangers before heading out on loan.

He then improved those numbers further during his time with Kilmarnock, adapting impressively to regular first-team football.

For a player still in his teens, those returns represent a highly encouraging sign of his potential.

More importantly, Curtis has demonstrated versatility, confidence, and maturity beyond his years — qualities that explain why Steve Clarke was willing to include him in Scotland’s World Cup plans.

It is also clear that Curtis himself will now want regular football moving forward.

Having experienced consistent minutes at Kilmarnock and earned international recognition as a result, he is unlikely to accept a prolonged spell sitting on the bench next season.

Rangers Need To Resolve Situation Quickly

Because of all those factors, Rangers may need to prioritise contract discussions with Curtis before the World Cup begins.

Failing to secure the youngster on a longer-term deal could eventually create an uncomfortable situation for those in charge at Ibrox.

The last thing Rangers will want is for one of their brightest young talents to enter the final months of his contract while attracting growing attention from rival clubs.

Curtis’ rise over the last year has been rapid, and there is a strong sense he could become a major player for both club and country in the future.

For now, Hearts may dream of testing Rangers with an ambitious bid, but the more pressing issue for the Glasgow side is ensuring one of Scotland’s most exciting young players remains committed to the club long-term.