Heart of Midlothian 2025 summer transfers - Musa Drammeh joins USC Torreense; Scottish window SLAMS SHUT

[OTT]

58 minutes ago, vegas-voss said:

How do we see this going in terms of the squad ( what is needed ) and the shape of the team as surely this diamond formation is just a stop gap to get us through with what we have got just now.

 

I think we need to see a massive amount of transfer activity over the summer. 

 

Not only do we need fresh faces, we need a fresh mentality because its currently piss weak.

 

We need a new captain. I'm not at all convinced by Steinwender TBH. Halkett felt more natural and comfortable, although I appreciate this might take time. 

 

Its genuinely near enough every position. It would almost be quicker to list the positions we don't need new players. 

 

I'm also no longer confident in Critchley. 

[The Old Tolbooth]

On 03/02/2025 at 23:37, Duos123 said:

Keep gordon (backup)

Keep Shankland

Keep Kabangu 

Keep Taylor

The others can go

Keep Taylor?  

 

I’ll pay for his air fare tomorrow myself mate, he’s a car crash of a footballer! 
 

Keep Penrice, Beni, Wilson, The Hoff and Milne as he’s not had a chance, the rest can go! Although Kabangu the jury is out! 

[One five]

The first thing I want to see in the summer transfer is signing a leader on the park a captain who can noise up the opposition get behind and encourage the team.

 

[Duos123]

1 hour ago, The Old Tolbooth said:

Keep Taylor?  

 

I’ll pay for his air fare tomorrow myself mate, he’s a car crash of a footballer! 
 

Keep Penrice, Beni, Wilson, The Hoff and Milne as he’s not had a chance, the rest can go! Although Kabangu the jury is out! 

In fairness I posted this about a month ago before Taylor was back so my opinion has 0 to do with his performances since returning from injury.

[Pasquale for King]

5 hours ago, Badonde said:

Outs

 

Gordon

Taylor

Grant

Shankland

vargas

forrest

oda

devlin 

spittal 

Neilson 

musa

Our biggest problem this summer will be getting rid of players that are under contract, although we did ok in January in that respect, there are guys on that list that wont get the wages they are on here elsewhere and have no transfer value. 

[Pasquale for King]

Big summer ahead, need to shrink the squad and replace 10-15 players with half that on higher wages.

[The Old Tolbooth]

11 hours ago, Duos123 said:

In fairness I posted this about a month ago before Taylor was back so my opinion has 0 to do with his performances since returning from injury.

Fair enough mate, I didn’t check the date, apologies 👍

[pettigrewsstylist]

NC had a chance to endorse Grant yesterday, and totally blanked it.

I thought it was telling.

[pettigrewsstylist]

11 hours ago, Pasquale for King said:

Our biggest problem this summer will be getting rid of players that are under contract, although we did ok in January in that respect, there are guys on that list that wont get the wages they are on here elsewhere and have no transfer value. 

We have too many in that bracket. This window is not going to solve all the problems, particularly with the income dropping due to performance. Options change if we can win SC of course ££££.

[Duos123]

14 minutes ago, The Old Tolbooth said:

Fair enough mate, I didn’t check the date, apologies 👍

No worries 👍

[Ribble]

On 26/02/2025 at 13:24, tartofmidlothian said:

 

It's strange that people say all we'll be doing with Jamestown is finding unknown young players and selling them for a mark up. Alongside Milner and Welbeck Brighton have kept a hold of Dunk, he's been there for 15 years. If anything, Jamestown teams seem to be a weird jumble of ages and backgrounds.

 

JA identify players in 3 categories, players for now (1st team starters), players for now and future (squad players initially that will develop into 1st team starters) and players for future (will prob start in b-team) age is only a consideration on players in the latter 2 categories as they are players with development to do. All will have one thing in common, they either already are or will develop into a player considered by JA to be in the top 20% in the league for their position. 

[Batistuta9]

Massive summer ahead, especially after yesterday, which showed we are absolutely miles away. We need to be absolutely brutal. 

 

- No new deal for Shankland. 

- No new deal for Gordon, unless it's on the understanding that he is now a backup player. 

- No new deal for McKay (think that's already pretty clear).

- No permanent deal for Taylor.

- Get rid of Vargas. Genuinely take absolutely any offer. He's done. 

- Get rid of Ryan Fulton. Absolutely pointless signing and would be genuinely terrified if he was ever put in goals for a match. 

- Make a decision on Jorge Grant (wouldn't be against a 1y extension based on his current form).

- Make Frankie Kent captain (if he's staying).

- Get Devlin a new deal. Treat and pay him like a key player, get rid of any release clauses, and make him vice captain to Kent. 

- Sign a bloody decent right back once and for all (x2). Probably fed up hearing me say it but Nicky Devlin was the man for the job when Smith left, and still is. 

- Sign a top striker to replace Shankland. Marquee signing, on a big wage, offers an immediate impact. 

- Sign a couple of decent wingers. Our lack of width is absolutely terrifying. 

- Loan Adam Forrester out to the Championship.

 

... And that's just a start. 

 

[Drylaw Hearts]

1 minute ago, Batistuta87 said:

Massive summer ahead, especially after yesterday, which showed we are absolutely miles away. We need to be absolutely brutal. 

 

- No new deal for Shankland. 

- No new deal for Gordon, unless it's on the understanding that he is now a backup player. 

- No new deal for McKay (think that's already pretty clear).

- No permanent deal for Taylor.

- Get rid of Vargas. Genuinely take absolutely any offer. He's done. 

- Get rid of Ryan Fulton. Absolutely pointless signing and would be genuinely terrified if he was ever put in goals for a match. 

- Make a decision on Jorge Grant (wouldn't be against a 1y extension based on his current form).

- Make Frankie Kent captain (if he's staying).

- Get Devlin a new deal. Treat and pay him like a key player, get rid of any release clauses, and make him vice captain to Kent. 

- Sign a bloody decent right back once and for all (x2). Probably fed up hearing me say it but Nicky Devlin was the man for the job when Smith left, and still is. 

- Sign a top striker to replace Shankland. Marquee signing, on a big wage, offers an immediate impact. 

- Sign a couple of decent wingers. Our lack of width is absolutely terrifying. 

- Loan Adam Forrester out to the Championship.

 

... And that's just a start. 

 

You can’t be serious about offering Grant a new deal 🤦🏻‍♂️

 

 

[HEARTS FOREVER]

11 minutes ago, Batistuta87 said:

Massive summer ahead, especially after yesterday, which showed we are absolutely miles away. We need to be absolutely brutal. 

 

- No new deal for Shankland. 

- No new deal for Gordon, unless it's on the understanding that he is now a backup player. 

- No new deal for McKay (think that's already pretty clear).

- No permanent deal for Taylor.

- Get rid of Vargas. Genuinely take absolutely any offer. He's done. 

- Get rid of Ryan Fulton. Absolutely pointless signing and would be genuinely terrified if he was ever put in goals for a match. 

- Make a decision on Jorge Grant (wouldn't be against a 1y extension based on his current form).

- Make Frankie Kent captain (if he's staying).

- Get Devlin a new deal. Treat and pay him like a key player, get rid of any release clauses, and make him vice captain to Kent. 

- Sign a bloody decent right back once and for all (x2). Probably fed up hearing me say it but Nicky Devlin was the man for the job when Smith left, and still is. 

- Sign a top striker to replace Shankland. Marquee signing, on a big wage, offers an immediate impact. 

- Sign a couple of decent wingers. Our lack of width is absolutely terrifying. 

- Loan Adam Forrester out to the Championship.

 

... And that's just a start. 

 

Spot on. 
 

 

But Grant can GTF

[Seymour M Hersh]

Maybe we should just sign players suited to this horrible league. The vermin seem to have managed it by accident rather than design. Huddies who will battle, fight and be aggressive for 90 minutes rather than players who want time on the ball to play nice football. In the SPFL it's pointless having players who are like this. It's an awful footballing league for quality. 

[Batistuta9]

28 minutes ago, Drylaw Hearts said:

You can’t be serious about offering Grant a new deal 🤦🏻‍♂️

 

 

 

19 minutes ago, HEARTS FOREVER said:

Spot on. 
 

 

But Grant can GTF

 

Felt very strongly all season that he's been mince and should be first out the door. 

He's played quite well under Critchley, and might be useful in the squad next year whilst its overhauled. 

Nothing more than that. Far from a regular starter. 

 

[HEARTS FOREVER]

11 minutes ago, Batistuta87 said:

 

 

Felt very strongly all season that he's been mince and should be first out the door. 

He's played quite well under Critchley, and might be useful in the squad next year whilst its overhauled. 

Nothing more than that. Far from a regular starter. 

 

It’s came up his humph because he’s well paid at Hearts and needs a new deal. He’s been shocking overall. A complete non event in the time he’s been here. We need shot of him asap. 
 

Canny stress that enough

[Duos123]

45 minutes ago, Batistuta87 said:

Massive summer ahead, especially after yesterday, which showed we are absolutely miles away. We need to be absolutely brutal. 

 

- No new deal for Shankland. 

- No new deal for Gordon, unless it's on the understanding that he is now a backup player. 

- No new deal for McKay (think that's already pretty clear).

- No permanent deal for Taylor.

- Get rid of Vargas. Genuinely take absolutely any offer. He's done. 

- Get rid of Ryan Fulton. Absolutely pointless signing and would be genuinely terrified if he was ever put in goals for a match. 

- Make a decision on Jorge Grant (wouldn't be against a 1y extension based on his current form).

- Make Frankie Kent captain (if he's staying).

- Get Devlin a new deal. Treat and pay him like a key player, get rid of any release clauses, and make him vice captain to Kent. 

- Sign a bloody decent right back once and for all (x2). Probably fed up hearing me say it but Nicky Devlin was the man for the job when Smith left, and still is. 

- Sign a top striker to replace Shankland. Marquee signing, on a big wage, offers an immediate impact. 

- Sign a couple of decent wingers. Our lack of width is absolutely terrifying. 

- Loan Adam Forrester out to the Championship.

 

... And that's just a start. 

 

I also would like us to offer beni a 1y extension don’t like the thought of losing him on a free next summer. Early days though no rush to do so.

[Ribble]

So here's where i'm at for what it's worth!

 

Out of contract players can all go bar Gordon who i'd give 1 year extension as backup so bye bye to Grant, McKay and Shankland

Players to offload for whatever money we can get for them - Clark, Kent, Halkett, Spittal, Dhanda, Denholm, Forrest, Musa, Oda, Vargas and maybe Fulton too it either Stone or McFarlane are deemed good enough to step up

If Milne looks good as cover and someone is willing to pay >£2.5/3m for Penrice then i'd take it

For the loanee's i'd sign Kabangu perm and Taylor too if the fee can be vastly reduced or another years loan arranged 

 

That would leave us with 

 

Gordon

Steinwender

Neilson (final year of contract, either performs or is released next summer)

McCart

Kingsley (with 2 years left on his deal I can;t see anyone taking him off our hands)

Penrice if not sold

Milne

Taylor if fee is right

Forrester

Beni (year left, so if we make new signing in midfield and he retains place/can keep fit then extend)

Devlin (same as beni without fitness concerns)

Hoff

Tait (only 19 with 3 years to further develop)

Kartum

Wilson (if we can agree a long term extension)

Kabangu

 

In the summer we'd then need

A 1st choice keeper, hopefully mid 20's that can still improve but be here long term

Another CB, dominant captain type

2 full backs if Penrice sold and Taylor not signed

An all round playmaking CM

3 players each on right and left wings that can play as wingers or wide forwards (hopefully less if any can play both sides)

Another Centre forward, 2 if Wilson not signing a long term extension

[feej]

Very few to get excited about in this squad - need to hold onto Wilson the rest I'm not fussed about. Mediocrity has set in.

[Batistuta9]

39 minutes ago, HEARTS FOREVER said:

It’s came up his humph because he’s well paid at Hearts and needs a new deal. He’s been shocking overall. A complete non event in the time he’s been here. We need shot of him asap. 
 

Canny stress that enough

 

If we're seeing the real Jorge Grant now based on something NC has changed, I like him. If we're seeing the real Jorge Grant because he's after a new deal, **** him. 

I'll probably be back on the "get him to ****" train soon, but he has been much better recently. Would hate for him to go and sign for Aberdeen or something and continue playing like he is now.

 

Edited March 3, 2025 by Batistuta87

[pettigrewsstylist]

51 minutes ago, HEARTS FOREVER said:

It’s came up his humph because he’s well paid at Hearts and needs a new deal. He’s been shocking overall. A complete non event in the time he’s been here. We need shot of him asap. 
 

Canny stress that enough

Seconded, and despite a sweet strike yesterday, it was more of the same tidy, unadveturous stalemate fitbaw.

[Rory Mcilroy]

Some serious pace, power and athleticism needed all over the park. 
 

It’s the most predictable league in the world, the majority play 352 and hoof it, yet we still look so vulnerable to it week after week. Our attackers get bullied, our midfield outran by sh*te like Josh Campbell and defence turn guys like Mandron and Jordan White into prime Drogba. 
 

We’ve got too many players who are massively lacking in physical attributes yet aren’t anywhere near good enough technically to make up for it. 

[Bongo 1874]

 

 

[gar jambo]

On 02/03/2025 at 20:11, i8hibsh said:

We will have the exact same pre season camp as a group of teenage lassies.

 

We will sign below average players.

 

I wll get excited and think the upcoming season will be the best.

 

Season starts, same old shit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Correct ili don't believe preseason games  mean nothing! I could see at Fleetwood their was no shape very poor then it had a poor impact that season 

[Luckies1874]

See Lyon are ready to pay a shed load for Lennon Miller

 

https://x.com/AboutScotlandd/status/1896968108314632473

[ROCK LOBSTER]

On 03/03/2025 at 11:14, Ribble said:

So here's where i'm at for what it's worth!

 

Out of contract players can all go bar Gordon who i'd give 1 year extension as backup so bye bye to Grant, McKay and Shankland

Players to offload for whatever money we can get for them - Clark, Kent, Halkett, Spittal, Dhanda, Denholm, Forrest, Musa, Oda, Vargas and maybe Fulton too it either Stone or McFarlane are deemed good enough to step up

If Milne looks good as cover and someone is willing to pay >£2.5/3m for Penrice then i'd take it

For the loanee's i'd sign Kabangu perm and Taylor too if the fee can be vastly reduced or another years loan arranged 

 

That would leave us with 

 

Gordon

Steinwender

Neilson (final year of contract, either performs or is released next summer)

McCart

Kingsley (with 2 years left on his deal I can;t see anyone taking him off our hands)

Penrice if not sold

Milne

Taylor if fee is right

Forrester

Beni (year left, so if we make new signing in midfield and he retains place/can keep fit then extend)

Devlin (same as beni without fitness concerns)

Hoff

Tait (only 19 with 3 years to further develop)

Kartum

Wilson (if we can agree a long term extension)

Kabangu

 

In the summer we'd then need

A 1st choice keeper, hopefully mid 20's that can still improve but be here long term

Another CB, dominant captain type

2 full backs if Penrice sold and Taylor not signed

An all round playmaking CM

3 players each on right and left wings that can play as wingers or wide forwards (hopefully less if any can play both sides)

Another Centre forward, 2 if Wilson not signing a long term extension

Craig Gordon is no longer a first team keeper for Hearts he's been superb for us but his time is up. We now need a sweeper keeper who's good with his feet. So a younger keeper is a must that'll come and take crosses and take the pressure off the defence, getting a shot stopper as good as Craig is difficult but it's time up I'm afraid 

[Ribble]

1 hour ago, ROCK LOBSTER said:

Craig Gordon is no longer a first team keeper for Hearts he's been superb for us but his time is up. We now need a sweeper keeper who's good with his feet. So a younger keeper is a must that'll come and take crosses and take the pressure off the defence, getting a shot stopper as good as Craig is difficult but it's time up I'm afraid 

 

I agree but I’d hand him a 1 year extension as backup to a new keeper and sell Clark. Zander hasn’t managed to oust a 42 year old and can’t just be handed the no1 spot for next season and seeing as we’d not get anything for an out of contract Gordon I’d rather sell Clark and put that towards a new younger keeper that can be our no1 for a number of years

[ROCK LOBSTER]

42 minutes ago, Ribble said:

 

I agree but I’d hand him a 1 year extension as backup to a new keeper and sell Clark. Zander hasn’t managed to oust a 42 year old and can’t just be handed the no1 spot for next season and seeing as we’d not get anything for an out of contract Gordon I’d rather sell Clark and put that towards a new younger keeper that can be our no1 for a number of years

The only way I would extend his contract if he was becoming a coach but I understand your thinking, we'll get rid of Fulton and bring back stones.

[theshed]

3 hours ago, Luckies1874 said:

See Lyon are ready to pay a shed load for Lennon Miller

 

https://x.com/AboutScotlandd/status/1896968108314632473

No seen much of this guy so is he the real deal?

 

Surely no one paying 8 million when Motherwell would probably take half that amount if offered cash up front 

[OTT]

On 02/03/2025 at 20:10, periodictabledancer said:

Gut the squad post season , figure out now who stays next season and go with that core. Bench Shankland for the remainder and go with the guys who will remain. 

Results - but not performances - have made too many people forget how mediocre  it is and it needs cleaned out. 

 

I think this undeniably needs to be done.

 

The mentality around derbies is a core part of the clubs culture, and if that changes, then the management changes. 

 

The last time Hibs won 3 derbies on the bounce (as best as I can see it, is 1921/22

 

 

Assuming we finish top 6, if that happens Critchley should consider his position. 

 

Derbies matter, and they're not like any other fixture. If he cannot understand that, then he should be encouraged to speak to Locke or give Paulo a call. 

[periodictabledancer]

11 minutes ago, OTT said:

 

I think this undeniably needs to be done.

 

The mentality around derbies is a core part of the clubs culture, and if that changes, then the management changes. 

 

The last time Hibs won 3 derbies on the bounce (as best as I can see it, is 1921/22

 

 

Assuming we finish top 6, if that happens Critchley should consider his position. 

 

Derbies matter, and they're not like any other fixture. If he cannot understand that, then he should be encouraged to speak to Locke or give Paulo a call. 

The problem, for me, is Shankland. 

He's our very own CR7 and brings the same problems. A 9 Prima Donna,  allegedly our best player but there are clearly problems with his attitude - never mind how his team mates must be viewing him after that shit show on Sunday. 

Getting beat happens, even by Hibs,  but trying to do it with ten men ? 

If Shankland stays - and I hope he doesnt- he could be the albatross around NCs neck. Bench the lazy git and grow some balls. If he doesn't,  I don't see how he gets respect from the rest of the squad. 

It's way too early to say yet what I think of Critchley but the abject performances against Hibs don't inspire me so far. 

[Batistuta9]

16 hours ago, Luckies1874 said:

See Lyon are ready to pay a shed load for Lennon Miller

 

https://x.com/AboutScotlandd/status/1896968108314632473

Would be a great move for him. Celtic would ruin him like they do with most of the guys they hoover up from elsewhere in the league. 

 

[Bongo 1874]

If we are moving Shankland on,victor edvardsen would be a good replacement.

[PapaShango]

14 hours ago, periodictabledancer said:

The problem, for me, is Shankland. 

He's our very own CR7 and brings the same problems. A 9 Prima Donna,  allegedly our best player but there are clearly problems with his attitude - never mind how his team mates must be viewing him after that shit show on Sunday. 

Getting beat happens, even by Hibs,  but trying to do it with ten men ? 

If Shankland stays - and I hope he doesnt- he could be the albatross around NCs neck. Bench the lazy git and grow some balls. If he doesn't,  I don't see how he gets respect from the rest of the squad. 

It's way too early to say yet what I think of Critchley but the abject performances against Hibs don't inspire me so far. 

When fit, he is clearly won't be dropped even when his performances tail off. He's never a Hearts captain on the park either, would love to see Cammy get the armband from next season, that's the kind of guy you want as you skipper. Never shirks anything and is 100% committed to the cause. FWIW I think he will leave at the end of the season which I'm not too fussed about. 

[Australis]

On 03/03/2025 at 11:36, feej said:

Very few to get excited about in this squad - need to hold onto Wilson the rest I'm not fussed about. Mediocrity has set in.

Seems no pride in the players playing for our club. Cammy and Beni aside.

 

Not an ounce of motivation either.

 

A captain who would rather be anywhere else.

 

[Hesh]

On 03/03/2025 at 11:14, Ribble said:

and maybe Fulton too it either Stone or McFarlane are deemed good enough to step up

 

 

Stone should be the only keeper in the frame for this, McFarlane needs another season on loan, Preferably to a champ club (I don't know their contract status though)

[chrystaf]

On 03/03/2025 at 12:49, Rory Mcilroy said:

Some serious pace, power and athleticism needed all over the park. 
 

It’s the most predictable league in the world, the majority play 352 and hoof it, yet we still look so vulnerable to it week after week. Our attackers get bullied, our midfield outran by sh*te like Josh Campbell and defence turn guys like Mandron and Jordan White into prime Drogba. 
 

We’ve got too many players who are massively lacking in physical attributes yet aren’t anywhere near good enough technically to make up for it. 

In a nutshell.

[Chimp]

2 hours ago, Bongo 1874 said:

If we are moving Shankland on,victor edvardsen would be a good replacement.

 

Bongotown Analytics in full swing now. Exciting times.

[Bongo 1874]

22 minutes ago, Chimp said:

 

Bongotown Analytics in full swing now. Exciting times.

Thanks haha,think he would be a good buy,but Jamestown will probably source better,guy looks a machine!!!!

[Jim Panzee]

4 minutes ago, Bongo 1874 said:

Thanks haha,think he would be a good buy,but Jamestown will probably source better,guy looks a machine!!!!

Too fat......

 

 

until he scores....

[Bongo 1874]

4 minutes ago, Jim Panzee said:

Too fat......

 

 

until he scores....

They call him Han är Iron Man,he is iron man,

 

 

 

[Jim Panzee]

Just now, Bongo 1874 said:

They call him Han är Iron Man,he is iron man,

 

 

 

I suppose that means we should be calling Shank Irn Bru......the original full fat version.....

[Bongo 1874]

8 minutes ago, Jim Panzee said:

I suppose that means we should be calling Shank Irn Bru......the original full fat version.....

Harsh words 🙂.

[OTT]

3 hours ago, Bongo 1874 said:

If we are moving Shankland on,victor edvardsen would be a good replacement.

 

 

Its got to be Jizz.  

 

Seriously, Elton played with Hornkamp previously, and it was that partnership that put him on Jamestowns radar to begin with to get him the USG move. 

 

If we can bring Hornkamp in to replace Shankland, then we might be able to replicate that success. 

 

Contracted to 2026 with a club option of an additional year. Probably cost us north of £500k. 

 

But, there is an existing partnership with Elton that is a bit of a USP for doing this deal if Hercules will entertain the sale. 

 

 

[Gordons left glove]

There's a right winger in Japan just now, 22 years old called sota nakamura. Problem is it seems he's only played 8 games in japans top flight but he's got 5 goals and 1 assist. Maybe worth a punt but could very easily be a waste too. Plays for sanfrecce who are third at the moment.

[feej]

8 hours ago, Australis said:

Seems no pride in the players playing for our club. Cammy and Beni aside.

 

Not an ounce of motivation either.

 

A captain who would rather be anywhere else.

 

Hopefully that changes in the summer, Ive said for long enough we totally lack a leader and it shows.

 

Looking a for a reaction on Friday, let's hope we see that and have too much for Dundee.

 

Will Shanks be benched?

[Bongo 1874]

7 hours ago, OTT said:

 

 

Its got to be Jizz.  

 

Seriously, Elton played with Hornkamp previously, and it was that partnership that put him on Jamestowns radar to begin with to get him the USG move. 

 

If we can bring Hornkamp in to replace Shankland, then we might be able to replicate that success. 

 

Contracted to 2026 with a club option of an additional year. Probably cost us north of £500k. 

 

But, there is an existing partnership with Elton that is a bit of a USP for doing this deal if Hercules will entertain the sale. 

 

 

Certainly wouldn't say no to him,looks like he can also play a few other positions,I like him 👍.

Edited March 5, 2025 by Bongo 1874

[Gordons left glove]

1 hour ago, Bongo 1874 said:

Certainly wouldn't say no to him,looks like he can also play a few other positions,I like him 👍.

Was linked with Nottingham forest two seasons ago so must have something about him 

[Drylaw Hearts]

I really wish there was a separate thread for random signing suggestions that are unlikely to happen.