Heart Of Midlothian winter transfer window 2025/2026 - Marc Leonard signs on loan

[johnking123]

8 minutes ago, jamboinglasgow said:

I think we will see a few move on, either on loan or permanent as players decide they need to get game time.

 

I do think we will sign at least one other on top of Chesnokov. I think we will look to take advantage of players coming to the end of their contracts in leagues that finish shortly.

It's what I think aswell. Will depend on where we are in the league too. If we are sitting in  same position come January. Another Ageu type ( but fit hopefully) signing. 

[Gorgiewave]

The likeliest scenario is that we'll sign players none of us have heard of, very possibly from clubs we haven't heard of, coceivably even from countries we've never heard of.

 

Plus the usual Patterson chat.

[Papa J]

If we can bring in one or two players at the same level as Braga and Kyzi, I’d be delighted.  Ageu and Chesnokov will also make us stronger.

 

With the new recruitment model, I don’t think we’ll be pursuing Patterson anymore.

 

[TheBigO]

2 hours ago, jamboinglasgow said:

I think we will see a few move on, either on loan or permanent as players decide they need to get game time.

 

I do think we will sign at least one other on top of Chesnokov. I think we will look to take advantage of players coming to the end of their contracts in leagues that finish shortly.

Wont be unexpected for us to bring in a guy or two aimed at next season either. Harry Milne situ but perhaps ftom a league whose league has ended 

[Papa J]

We'll need to move on one or two who aren't getting any game time.  I'm thinking Kartum.  Maybe loan out a couple youngsters too. 

[Watt-Zeefuik]

I still say we'll sell as many as 5, including 2-3 we'll be very sorry to see go, for a rather large chunk of change.

[Lord Beni of Gorgie]

10 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

I still say we'll sell as many as 5, including 2-3 we'll be very sorry to see go, for a rather large chunk of change.

This is evolution for us

[Watt-Zeefuik]

4 minutes ago, Lord Beni of Gorgie said:

This is evolution for us

 

Yup. I continue to think Beni and Kent are two of the most likely players to leave, provided both are healthy. Both have been fantastic for us at times but we're ready for their departure.

[Lord Beni of Gorgie]

1 minute ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

 

Yup. I continue to think Beni and Kent are two of the most likely players to leave, provided both are healthy. Both have been fantastic for us at times but we're ready for their departure.

The consolation, prior to this season, you would have imagined they would be hard to replace, whereas now, we will get better, confident of that in a quiet way, not bravado. Going to be a lot of kids (and some adults) with their hearts broken over personal faves

[Jambo-Fox]

3 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

 

Yup. I continue to think Beni and Kent are two of the most likely players to leave, provided both are healthy. Both have been fantastic for us at times but we're ready for their departure.

Not the best time to sell two of the best players. Recruitment of good quality players in the winter window is notoriously difficult. So good quality replacements unlikely to be available.

[Watt-Zeefuik]

1 minute ago, Lord Beni of Gorgie said:

The consolation, prior to this season, you would have imagined they would be hard to replace, whereas now, we will get better, confident of that in a quiet way, not bravado. Going to be a lot of kids (and some adults) with their hearts broken over personal faves

 

Yes, also possible Cammy goes in January, which I'd be gutted by. But if someone matches his value, it's what you do.

 

It may be a small step back in the short term and require rearranging some tactics, but we have a wealth of options at CM now.

[Watt-Zeefuik]

2 minutes ago, Jambo-Fox said:

Not the best time to sell two of the best players. Recruitment of good quality players in the winter window is notoriously difficult. So good quality replacements unlikely to be available.

 

Quality replacements are in the squad already. Between Magnussen, McEntee, Spittal, Nieuwenhoff, and of course Ageu, we're spoiled for options there.

 

It's one of the reasons I think they may go. We bought replacements for them over the summer to get ready for their departure.

 

As for Kent, he isn't even in the top two CHs. Even if we want to play a back 3, we have 5 CHs who can play there besides him plus McEntee.

Edited October 2, 2025 by Watt-Zeefuik

[keifrb]

Really happy with the squad, the only position that we've been caught short in is RB/RWB.  This is only the current position, baring injuries/transfers out I think needs addressed with a new player for the January transfer window.  I think we've been blown away with the bang for buck signings that JTA have identified.  Long may it continue.

[SaughtonJambo]

Hopefully get Milne, Halkett, Devlin and Beni signed up on new deals

[LarrysRightFoot]

I don’t know if it’s something that JTA does or can take account of but I hope any new signings have the same attitude and determination as Milne, Kyzi, McIntee and Braga. 

[NottsJambo]

I know this is a ridiculous thing to say, but I don't see why we need to buy anyone. Yes, a team can always be better and you upgrade each time, but we're still bedding-in players, let along bringing in anyone new. Kerjota, Magnusson and Kabore are still being integrated whilst Ageu and Borch are gaining fitness back. When you add Chesnokov in, we're flying!

 

It does sound like McInnes wants another winger though, just from hints. Kerjota to be the back-up to Chesnokov, and X to be back-up to Kyziridis?

 

By the way, did anyone hear Craig Gordon on Hearts TV during the game predicting Kerjota will become a fan favourite?

[Threedoorsdown]

3 minutes ago, NottsJambo said:

I know this is a ridiculous thing to say, but I don't see why we need to buy anyone. Yes, a team can always be better and you upgrade each time, but we're still bedding-in players, let along bringing in anyone new. Kerjota, Magnusson and Kabore are still being integrated whilst Ageu and Borch are gaining fitness back. When you add Chesnokov in, we're flying!

 

It does sound like McInnes wants another winger though, just from hints. Kerjota to be the back-up to Chesnokov, and X to be back-up to Kyziridis?

 

By the way, did anyone hear Craig Gordon on Hearts TV during the game predicting Kerjota will become a fan favourite?

 

I think TB sees it as if you aren't moving forward then you are going backwards. DM has reiterated in his press conference we will strengthen window on window.

 

DM said the other day we are over budget for players, I think this is a white lie and we will spend another 7 figures in January, the realistic returns on offer this season for finishing second are worth the push. 

[SaughtonJambo]

17 hours ago, SaughtonJambo said:

Hopefully get Milne, Halkett, Devlin and Beni signed up on new deals

That’s Milne done, can see Halkett being next

[jamboinglasgow]

43 minutes ago, NottsJambo said:

I know this is a ridiculous thing to say, but I don't see why we need to buy anyone. Yes, a team can always be better and you upgrade each time, but we're still bedding-in players, let along bringing in anyone new. Kerjota, Magnusson and Kabore are still being integrated whilst Ageu and Borch are gaining fitness back. When you add Chesnokov in, we're flying!

 

It does sound like McInnes wants another winger though, just from hints. Kerjota to be the back-up to Chesnokov, and X to be back-up to Kyziridis?

 

By the way, did anyone hear Craig Gordon on Hearts TV during the game predicting Kerjota will become a fan favourite?

 

I think with JTA we will always looking to add players to the squad. I agree that we have players who are bedding in so we haven't seen the best of them yet. Though there could also be bids in for our players in January which may accept our valuation for the player so may need replacements.

 

Certainly the Evening News was reporting that McInnes wants another player for left wing to compete with Kyziridis there. Was why we were looking at Kenzhebek.

 

I didn't hear it but saw a few people saying they heard that. I know McInnes said last week a dissappointment he had was that Kabore and Kerjota were taking longer to get up to speed, but I am sure they will. Kerjota has shown good flashes when he has come off the bench, and seen comments about Kabore looking good in the recent bounce game (as well as scoring a cracker of a goal.) The good thing is unlike previous seasons we are not needing them to hit the ground running as others have stepped up. I look forward to seeing them when they are up to speed. 

[Ribble]

Can see possible outs of Kartum, Spittal, Forrest, Clark, Hoff and maybe even Beni or Devlin if new contracts not signed

 

Chesney, a RB and a left winger to come in plus 2-3 on pre-contracts that might join in jan if a reasonable fee can be agreed. Also Findlay to formally sign a pre-contract.

[OTT]

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/transfers/endendevertraege/statistik?plus=0&jahr=2026&ausrichtung=alle&spielerposition_id=alle&altersklasse=alle&land_id=190&yt0=Show

 

Some interesting looking options for Scottish players coming out of contract in the summer. 

Personally, I would like us to go all in for David Watson. I think having already worked under McInnes AND to get him for a development fee, it would be money very well spent. It wouldn't surprise me if Rangers go for him though. They seem to be trying to pick up these kinds of players on frees - although its yet to work for them - Barron & Cameron haven't been very good for them. 

 

I wonder if McInnes might have an interest in Ross McCrorie given he worked under him at Aberdeen. If Bristol City don't extend, he could be worth a look. 

 

Lewis Mayo is another that looks like he could be a good pick up- Frankie Kent isn't getting any younger, and Mayo could be a good option to replace. 

 

Ross Graham is a ****ing giant, and Dundee Utds captain. Would be a development fee, and his agent is a raging hun - same one as Walker/Halliday etc. Not sure if we would want to deal with that agent given his track record. 

 

Although I suspect Jamestown will be able to get us better foreign players, we do still want a Scottish core to our team. So I think we'd be silly not to look at these guys. Especially with some players coming out of contract. 

[Uncle Buck]

I’m pretty sure we’ll try get David Watson on a pre contract in January. With Chesnokov coming in on the right, I think we might go for another winger on the left to compete with Kyziridis. Other than that, maybe a right back.

 

Then it’s about tying Halkett, Devlin and Beni down on longer deals.

[Agentjambo]

Chesnokov and Khenzabek plus Watson on a pre contract.

[OTT]

5 minutes ago, Uncle Buck said:

I’m pretty sure we’ll try get David Watson on a pre contract in January. With Chesnokov coming in on the right, I think we might go for another winger on the left to compete with Kyziridis. Other than that, maybe a right back.

 

Then it’s about tying Halkett, Devlin and Beni down on longer deals.

 

Controversial call, but I think Beni will leave. I think in a midfield 2, we need a much more dynamic player, and I get the feeling he's stayed longer than he intended to. 

 

No issue if he does stay, but I think the club may just be looking for one of Beni/Devlin to remain. Especially when you consider the salary side of things too. 

 

Will be interesting to see how our January window goes. 

[pettigrewsstylist]

1.Another RB, a fit one, that can play wing back

2. A robust, hungry CM that can play both 6 and 8, and can shoot on target from 18yds.

3. Another LW to challenge Kyzi

4. Ches arrival.

6. Another LB that can play LWB. Young, hungry, cheap unknown. Succession planning

 

Pretty greedy I know. Suspect we lose a few.

I also wouldnt be wanting to rely our splitting OF on anyone who had signed pre contract elsewhere.

[johnking123]

We will hopefully keep Devlin.  Beni will go with another 4 or 5 I hope. Could have a player sale.

[sac]

On 03/10/2025 at 13:04, NottsJambo said:

I know this is a ridiculous thing to say, but I don't see why we need to buy anyone. Yes, a team can always be better and you upgrade each time, but we're still bedding-in players, let along bringing in anyone new. Kerjota, Magnusson and Kabore are still being integrated whilst Ageu and Borch are gaining fitness back. When you add Chesnokov in, we're flying!

 

It does sound like McInnes wants another winger though, just from hints. Kerjota to be the back-up to Chesnokov, and X to be back-up to Kyziridis?

 

By the way, did anyone hear Craig Gordon on Hearts TV during the game predicting Kerjota will become a fan favourite?

Excellent point, that’s six players, 3 or 4 of whom could in the next couple of months be first names on the team sheet, which makes our bench even stronger. Mouth watering stuff.

[Gershwin]

I wouldn’t be selling any of our starting XI during this window.

 

i’d like to see a big veteran front man to come off the bench (and maybe start away to teams like H*bs and Shite Mirren)

[OTT]

1 minute ago, Gershwin said:

I wouldn’t be selling any of our starting XI during this window.

 

i’d like to see a big veteran front man to come off the bench (and maybe start away to teams like H*bs and Shite Mirren)

 

Thats a good shout. We don't really have a clear replacement for Shankland. Kabore looks more likely to play alongside him. 

[MyJambo]

Few offers in for James Wilson one from a club in Belgium and a few down south. Heard this from someone in the hearts academy u17s

[TheBigO]

On 03/10/2025 at 13:04, NottsJambo said:

I know this is a ridiculous thing to say, but I don't see why we need to buy anyone. Yes, a team can always be better and you upgrade each time, but we're still bedding-in players, let along bringing in anyone new. Kerjota, Magnusson and Kabore are still being integrated whilst Ageu and Borch are gaining fitness back. When you add Chesnokov in, we're flying!

 

It does sound like McInnes wants another winger though, just from hints. Kerjota to be the back-up to Chesnokov, and X to be back-up to Kyziridis?

 

By the way, did anyone hear Craig Gordon on Hearts TV during the game predicting Kerjota will become a fan favourite?

Not ridic - in fact I was thinking the same - where could we improve?  Maybe RB and LW are light, not in terms of first picks, but in depth/competition?

 

But I think what we're more likely to see is us looking for players to ready for next season.  I guess in markets whose season has ended or who are available knock-down due to contract ending at end of season.  Of course they'd be available for rest of season but the job would be them taking over in the summer.

[We_are_the_Hearts]

On 03/10/2025 at 13:10, Threedoorsdown said:

 

I think TB sees it as if you aren't moving forward then you are going backwards. DM has reiterated in his press conference we will strengthen window on window.

 

DM said the other day we are over budget for players, I think this is a white lie and we will spend another 7 figures in January, the realistic returns on offer this season for finishing second are worth the push. 

Spot on. We have seen it in the past when we have stood still or even regressed. Need to keep pushing the standards on. 

[GinRummy]

On 05/10/2025 at 14:35, OTT said:

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/transfers/endendevertraege/statistik?plus=0&jahr=2026&ausrichtung=alle&spielerposition_id=alle&altersklasse=alle&land_id=190&yt0=Show

 

Some interesting looking options for Scottish players coming out of contract in the summer. 

Personally, I would like us to go all in for David Watson. I think having already worked under McInnes AND to get him for a development fee, it would be money very well spent. It wouldn't surprise me if Rangers go for him though. They seem to be trying to pick up these kinds of players on frees - although its yet to work for them - Barron & Cameron haven't been very good for them. 

 

I wonder if McInnes might have an interest in Ross McCrorie given he worked under him at Aberdeen. If Bristol City don't extend, he could be worth a look. 

 

Lewis Mayo is another that looks like he could be a good pick up- Frankie Kent isn't getting any younger, and Mayo could be a good option to replace. 

 

Ross Graham is a ****ing giant, and Dundee Utds captain. Would be a development fee, and his agent is a raging hun - same one as Walker/Halliday etc. Not sure if we would want to deal with that agent given his track record. 

 

Although I suspect Jamestown will be able to get us better foreign players, we do still want a Scottish core to our team. So I think we'd be silly not to look at these guys. Especially with some players coming out of contract. 

As someone said below, David Watson would be a good signing. Mayo has looked a good player most times I’ve seen him, very dynamic for a defender among more obvious strong points. 

[Watt-Zeefuik]

1 minute ago, GinRummy said:

As someone said below, David Watson would be a good signing. Mayo has looked a good player most times I’ve seen him, very dynamic for a defender among more obvious strong points. 

I've wanted us to sign Watson for three windows now. Great talent.

 

On the broader squad, I think we're going to have to get used to things being a bit different. The question is going to be less, "what do we need?" and more "whom can we sell that we already have the replacement for?"

 

And we'll be making more signings like Milne where say, "huh, guess it's good to have him but we didn't really need him."

[GinRummy]

3 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

I've wanted us to sign Watson for three windows now. Great talent.

 

On the broader squad, I think we're going to have to get used to things being a bit different. The question is going to be less, "what do we need?" and more "whom can we sell that we already have the replacement for?"

 

And we'll be making more signings like Milne where say, "huh, guess it's good to have him but we didn't really need him."

Aye, I’m fully braced for our best players to be sold early. If on occasion it weakens us temporarily then I’m ready for that as well. 
 

 

[Hømme]

I think we will be doing a bit of squad trimming, even if it means only being able to loan out players instead of selling them. Some will want a shop window ahead before becoming a free agent in the Summer.

 

Maybe a pre contract or two. Chesnokov obviously.

 

I don't think we need much at all.

[jamboinglasgow]

15 minutes ago, TheBigO said:

Not ridic - in fact I was thinking the same - where could we improve?  Maybe RB and LW are light, not in terms of first picks, but in depth/competition?

 

But I think what we're more likely to see is us looking for players to ready for next season.  I guess in markets whose season has ended or who are available knock-down due to contract ending at end of season.  Of course they'd be available for rest of season but the job would be them taking over in the summer.

 

Yeah, I think we may look to take advantage of the seasons that are finished and contracts ending to move for next season. Get them in and up to speed for next season. Especially as JTA is good as indentifying players who they expect will be great players (or players of a lot bigger value) that it is best for us to move on now while their price is low (even if its seems early.)

 

I also have a feeling we will sign a player from the Scottish Championship. I think there can be a snobbish about that league and signing players and data can be used well to find hidden talent from it. Milne is a great example, he was rated in that league but no one really went in for him.

[innerjambo]

Some recent games seem to be passing Benni by. He's exposed for his lack of pace, and the there is not a lot of running in him, in any case.

[Jambo dans les Pyrenees]

On 05/10/2025 at 15:35, OTT said:

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/transfers/endendevertraege/statistik?plus=0&jahr=2026&ausrichtung=alle&spielerposition_id=alle&altersklasse=alle&land_id=190&yt0=Show

 

Some interesting looking options for Scottish players coming out of contract in the summer. 

Personally, I would like us to go all in for David Watson. I think having already worked under McInnes AND to get him for a development fee, it would be money very well spent. It wouldn't surprise me if Rangers go for him though. They seem to be trying to pick up these kinds of players on frees - although its yet to work for them - Barron & Cameron haven't been very good for them. 

 

I wonder if McInnes might have an interest in Ross McCrorie given he worked under him at Aberdeen. If Bristol City don't extend, he could be worth a look. 

 

Lewis Mayo is another that looks like he could be a good pick up- Frankie Kent isn't getting any younger, and Mayo could be a good option to replace. 

 

Ross Graham is a ****ing giant, and Dundee Utds captain. Would be a development fee, and his agent is a raging hun - same one as Walker/Halliday etc. Not sure if we would want to deal with that agent given his track record. 

 

Although I suspect Jamestown will be able to get us better foreign players, we do still want a Scottish core to our team. So I think we'd be silly not to look at these guys. Especially with some players coming out of contract. 

 

I think the 4 above would be good signings; but also hear what people are saying re still bedding some players in / size of the squad.

 

Goalkeeper wise; either in the winter window or come summer, we will loose Gordon (retired), Clarke (sold) and Fulton (sold/released) I think.  If Stone or McFarlane aren’t ready, then that strengthens the case for McRorie.

 

RB/RWB and maybe LWB.

 

I think we’ll - again winter or summer latest - see the following leave:  Kent, Hoff, Spittal, Kartum, Forrest.

 

Get Halkett and Devlin on longer term contracts.  Wouldn’t surprise me if Wilson goes down south to an EPL U23 set up for 1-2 million.

 

[RustyRightPeg]

15 minutes ago, innerjambo said:

Some recent games seem to be passing Benni by. He's exposed for his lack of pace, and the there is not a lot of running in him, in any case.

Why did Penrice say Beni was the quickest at the club on Open Goal if he has a lack of pace?

[TheBigO]

1 minute ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Why did Penrice say Beni was the quickest at the club on Open Goal if he has a lack of pace?

Was interested in the interview with McAuley Tait the other day where he was saying he's actually really quick but its not something he gets to show playing as a 6 so he's enjoying be able to show it playing 8.  I think Beni suffers from that.  He's clearly quick - no one runs away from him and he often gets back to get tackles in when it looks like someone is away.  But playing in a "shuffly" position and his slightly weird style, people just make up that he's slow!

 

In recent years we've had people say Hof was slow and the best one was Ewan Henderson.

[PTBCAL]

9 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Why did Penrice say Beni was the quickest at the club on Open Goal if he has a lack of pace?

I know for a fact that Beni’s running stats and speed tests have him in the top 3 within the squad 

[Byyy The Light]

1 hour ago, MyJambo said:

Few offers in for James Wilson one from a club in Belgium and a few down south. Heard this from someone in the hearts academy u17s

 

If that's true then I think we will cash in. Probably with a decent sell on.

[RustyRightPeg]

43 minutes ago, PTBCAL said:

I know for a fact that Beni’s running stats and speed tests have him in the top 3 within the squad 

Blasphemy 👀 can’t be the same guy!

[Waterboy]

7 hours ago, MyJambo said:

Few offers in for James Wilson one from a club in Belgium and a few down south. Heard this from someone in the hearts academy u17s

 

That was in the summer I think. None of them came to anything for one reason or another. Numbers I heard were higher than I expected in all honesty. Suppose that interest may continue into January. 

[Gordons left glove]

If David Watson isn't doable I wonder if Marc Leonard is? 

[pettigrewsstylist]

10 hours ago, MyJambo said:

Few offers in for James Wilson one from a club in Belgium and a few down south. Heard this from someone in the hearts academy u17s

Any idea if any meet our valuation?

[ColinSmith1255]

9 hours ago, innerjambo said:

Some recent games seem to be passing Benni by. He's exposed for his lack of pace, and the there is not a lot of running in him, in any case.

I don’t think he lacks pace. He often catches a forward who looks as if he is ahead 

[johnking123]

Moving Kartum, Forrest, Spittal, Clark and possibly Kent on would really help. Possibly sell one player during the January window. chesnokov and possibly two more in. Steinwender may want to move. If not getting enough game time.

[indianajones]

49 minutes ago, johnking123 said:

Moving Kartum, Forrest, Spittal, Clark and possibly Kent on would really help. Possibly sell one player during the January window. chesnokov and possibly two more in. Steinwender may want to move. If not getting enough game time.

 

Steinwender is a very very good player who's unlucky not to be playing more. I believe there were enquiries about him in the summer but we rejected approaches. 

 

Hope he stays!