Heart Of Midlothian winter transfer window 2025/2026 - Wilson loaned to Spurs; transfer window slams shut

[Finlay James]

5 hours ago, JimmyCant said:

Yeh but they only want him on a free. I think we’ll definitely extend him. Having said that, he might not be a starter next season so who knows. He might decide to take a bigger contract somewhere else for his last gig 

I like Halkett and DM clearly does too, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t sign a new contract with us.

 

That said, he’d be paid a relative fortune as an OOC option for the championship down south.  
 

The scouts will have picked up on plenty more of our players in the Celtic game and I’d be amazed if Devlin and Kyziridis aren’t at the top of their lists.

[DxB Hearts]

The one thing we absolutely know for sure about this transfer window and the summer one is we have utterly no idea what’s going to happen.
 

It’ll be filled with disappointment of losing star players and scouting videos of random players scoring loads that look like they were shot on an iPhone 4. 

[maroonspecs]

The most exciting thing about heading into this transfer window is that we're only two months away from it and have barely scratched the surface of what four or five of our summer signings (Ageu, Kerjota, Kabore, Magnusson, Borch) can bring to the squad.

Edited October 31, 2025 by maroonspecs

[DxB Hearts]

10 minutes ago, maroonspecs said:

The most exciting thing about heading into this transfer window is that we're only two months away from it and have barely scratched the surface of what four or five of our summer signings (Ageu, Kerjota, Kabore, Magnusson, Borch) can bring to the squad.

It’s pretty mad isn’t it. We have to assume Ageu is a baller given the price tag and the small showing at Livi. We just seen Kabore is a chaos merchant, Kerjota has had probably the assist of the season already and Magnusson just comes every game on for 5-10 mins and looks like he’s playing 5s with his mates.

 

Someone mentioned Bloom said Brighton were close to signing Chesnokov because he’s that good.

 

Odd one out from the summer is definitely Borch but we have to trust that JTA has picked a decent player up and it’s just injuries and a bedding in period that’s delaying him being our RB. 
 

We’re less than a year into this project, what the hell is it going to be like in 4 or 5 years?!

[johnking123]

 

Think we will be after a right back. Expecting a 6ft plus right back who has occasionally play CB. Think he likes his fallback to be comfortable at defending first and foremost. Why he likes Kingsley.  We will play 4 at back 95% at the back and has no need for wingback. We will have wingers for that. Attacking,  but solid at the back.

[Craig_]

1 hour ago, DxB Hearts said:

It’s pretty mad isn’t it. We have to assume Ageu is a baller given the price tag and the small showing at Livi. We just seen Kabore is a chaos merchant, Kerjota has had probably the assist of the season already and Magnusson just comes every game on for 5-10 mins and looks like he’s playing 5s with his mates.

 

Someone mentioned Bloom said Brighton were close to signing Chesnokov because he’s that good.

 

Odd one out from the summer is definitely Borch but we have to trust that JTA has picked a decent player up and it’s just injuries and a bedding in period that’s delaying him being our RB. 
 

We’re less than a year into this project, what the hell is it going to be like in 4 or 5 years?!

 

Incredible to think that we may have players considerably better than Kyzi and Braga who're already the best players in the league! 

[JimmyCant]

25 minutes ago, Craig_ said:

 

Incredible to think that we may have players considerably better than Kyzi and Braga who're already the best players in the league! 

It’s pretty exciting. If we can replicate that sort of quality when we upgrade the defence and the central midfield we’ll be rocking

Edited October 31, 2025 by JimmyCant

[JimmyCant]

3 hours ago, Finlay James said:

I like Halkett and DM clearly does too, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t sign a new contract with us.

 

That said, he’d be paid a relative fortune as an OOC option for the championship down south.  
 

The scouts will have picked up on plenty more of our players in the Celtic game and I’d be amazed if Devlin and Kyziridis aren’t at the top of their lists.

It depends on how we’re going to approach the summer window and also who we sign in January.

 

I think there are at least 8 leaving in the summer. Kent Halkett Beni Kartum Forrest Spittal Kingsley and possibly Devlin and Wilson. And that doesn’t include anyone we might sell for a premium price. We have JTA and we’re going to use it heavily in the next 2 windows and beyond. To do that we’ll have to make room and some current favourites will be moved on

 

USG fairly recently did 23 transactions in one window (ins and outs) I don’t think we’ll go as high as that but it’ll be in the teens probably

Edited October 31, 2025 by JimmyCant

[Jambo61]

From the limited view so far I felt Borch a bit lightweight?

His lack of inclusion since full fitness might suggest so?

Why play any make-shift when there is a better option?

If so 'can't win them all'!

[Pingu]

1 hour ago, johnking123 said:

 

Think we will be after a right back. Expecting a 6ft plus right back who has occasionally play CB. Think he likes his fallback to be comfortable at defending first and foremost. Why he likes Kingsley.  We will play 4 at back 95% at the back and has no need for wingback. We will have wingers for that. Attacking,  but solid at the back.

Wouldn't surprise me at all. Although, also wouldn't surprise me if Milne (who is a bit more attacking) displaces Kingsley at LB sooner rather than later. We've not seen enough of Borch to know yet, but I imagine him as sort of a Milne type. Reasonably tall, gets up and down the park. So, yes, a slightly more defensive alternative would make sense.

 

As an aside, I'm not convinced McEntee will be a regular starter in any position much beyond January. He's been a really solid addition but I think we'll have better options in all the positions he can cover.

[I.T.K]

3 minutes ago, Jambo61 said:

From the limited view so far I felt Borch a bit lightweight?

His lack of inclusion since full fitness might suggest so?

Why play any make-shift when there is a better option?

If so 'can't win them all'!

 

I agree. The fact is that hes not on the bench makes me assume he's further away then we think.  

[kingantti1874]

1 hour ago, johnking123 said:

 

Think we will be after a right back. Expecting a 6ft plus right back who has occasionally play CB. Think he likes his fallback to be comfortable at defending first and foremost. Why he likes Kingsley.  We will play 4 at back 95% at the back and has no need for wingback. We will have wingers for that. Attacking,  but solid at the back.

if only big Gerry hadn’t lost it entirely and held that form he showed against rangers and Celtic. 

[davie1980]

4 hours ago, DxB Hearts said:

The one thing we absolutely know for sure about this transfer window and the summer one is we have utterly no idea what’s going to happen.
 

It’ll be filled with disappointment of losing star players and scouting videos of random players scoring loads that look like they were shot on an iPhone 4. 

 

 

Well, if the summer is anything to go by, we have a fair idea.

 

MASSIVE IMPROVEMENTS!!!

[Dido of Consequence]

Just now, kingantti1874 said:

if only big Gerry hadn’t lost it entirely and held that form he showed against rangers and Celtic. 

Maybe McInnes would've straightened him out

 

We'll never know 😔 

[TheBigO]

24 minutes ago, Pingu said:

Wouldn't surprise me at all. Although, also wouldn't surprise me if Milne (who is a bit more attacking) displaces Kingsley at LB sooner rather than later. We've not seen enough of Borch to know yet, but I imagine him as sort of a Milne type. Reasonably tall, gets up and down the park. So, yes, a slightly more defensive alternative would make sense.

 

As an aside, I'm not convinced McEntee will be a regular starter in any position much beyond January. He's been a really solid addition but I think we'll have better options in all the positions he can cover.

Thing is with Oisin, even if he drops down the order, hes been an excellent signing. While we transition a bit here, bringing in a lad like that who has just slotted in like hes been here for years and given his all was just perfect for right now. But also, lets not discount him. Long season and he may well have impact if and when used at cm. If we lost Cam for a few games, McEntee is potentially the obvious replacement.

 

On fullbacks. It may be as simple as horses for courses. Ganes at home or v lower teams, Borch to play on front foot, some other games may want Steineender or Oisin. As ive said before i think we wouldnt be so worried about Borch if he was on the bench but he just doesnt suit Dels mix of subs. Imo he's likely to either start or not be involved at all, which is weird.

 

I do think in winter it'll be Chesny plus maybe 2 more wide players though. A mix of wingers and fbs. Only positions we lack depth.

 

Caveat is the Ageu paradox. Whether we NEED a player in a certain position, if a guy comes up we cant turn down, we'll go for it. A cf better than Braga? A CH better than Findlay? We'd possibly do it.

[RustyRightPeg]

35 minutes ago, Jambo61 said:

From the limited view so far I felt Borch a bit lightweight?

His lack of inclusion since full fitness might suggest so?

Why play any make-shift when there is a better option?

If so 'can't win them all'!

No, McInnes literally said why he hasn’t been on the bench yesterday. 
 

Nobodies deserved to drop off the bench, that’s it. 

[Rudi5kaceldream1ng]

I'm quite convinced we will further strengthen for the post winter campaign. 

[selkirkhmfc1874]

Just now, Rudi5kaceldream1ng said:

I'm quite convinced we will further strengthen for the post winter campaign. 

We already have with Chesney and if true what I'm hearing a right back been targeted 

[Pans Jambo]

6 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

No, McInnes literally said why he hasn’t been on the bench yesterday. 
 

Nobodies deserved to drop off the bench, that’s it. 

Its absolutely brilliant that. On one hand, we have a LB playing on the right with a proper RB signed to address the issue we have had in that position that cant even get on the bench. On the other hand, the same team that's been picked for 6 games in a row are unbeaten and only dropped 2 points in that 6 games. What do you do? Drop players from a winning team 'just because'?

Borch will get his chance. Suspensions, fatigue and injuries will start to creep in soon. Its a nap.

[Juho_Makela_Goal_Machine]

8 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

No, McInnes literally said why he hasn’t been on the bench yesterday. 
 

Nobodies deserved to drop off the bench, that’s it. 

 

He also said in preseason (I would need to look to find the exact quote) that a few of the new boys were needing to get used to the physical side of the Scottish game, and named Borchgrevink as one of those.

 

I think its clear that he's happy with McEntee there and we can all agree he's done a really good job up to this point. I think the bigger issue on that side is having a LB playing in front of him. Put a decent winger there, move our top class LB back to his best position and I'm convinced the team can go up another level.

[RustyRightPeg]

1 minute ago, Pans Jambo said:

Its absolutely brilliant that. On one hand, we have a LB playing on the right with a proper RB signed to address the issue we have had in that position that cant even get on the bench. On the other hand, the same team that's been picked for 6 games in a row are unbeaten and only dropped 2 points in that 6 games. What do you do? Drop players from a winning team 'just because'?

Borch will get his chance. Suspensions, fatigue and injuries will start to creep in soon. Its a nap.

 

1 minute ago, Juho_Makela_Goal_Machine said:

 

He also said in preseason (I would need to look to find the exact quote) that a few of the new boys were needing to get used to the physical side of the Scottish game, and named Borchgrevink as one of those.

 

I think its clear that he's happy with McEntee there and we can all agree he's done a really good job up to this point. I think the bigger issue on that side is having a LB playing in front of him. Put a decent winger there, move our top class LB back to his best position and I'm convinced the team can go up another level.

Exactly that. I’m fully expecting to see him involved tomorrow. At the expense of who on the bench or in the starting 11, I’m not sure. 

[GinRummy]

7 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

 

Exactly that. I’m fully expecting to see him involved tomorrow. At the expense of who on the bench or in the starting 11, I’m not sure. 

I could see the logic in starting him tomorrow. A lot of tired players in Paisley on Wednesday. Think Magnusson and Kabore could be subbed on way earlier if indeed they don’t start.  

[Jambo61]

31 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

No, McInnes literally said why he hasn’t been on the bench yesterday. 
 

Nobodies deserved to drop off the bench, that’s it. 

Makes absolutely no footballing sense!

[kingantti1874]

49 minutes ago, Dido of Consequence said:

Maybe McInnes would've straightened him out

 

We'll never know 😔 

aye, good point.  Boy had everything imo, still have never ever seen a player with such a wide range of performances.  Incredible to utter dirge.  Still a weird one 

[Batistuta9]

2 hours ago, johnking123 said:

 

Think we will be after a right back. Expecting a 6ft plus right back who has occasionally play CB. Think he likes his fallback to be comfortable at defending first and foremost. Why he likes Kingsley.  We will play 4 at back 95% at the back and has no need for wingback. We will have wingers for that. Attacking,  but solid at the back.

 

I think Borch is a very good player and as long as his injury doesn't affect him too much in the longer term, would like to see him as our RB. His knee injury was pretty catastrophic though so it is a concern for me. Is he not still "not quite match fit" at the moment? If he's fit I'm sure its just a matter of getting an opportunity, and he'll be alright.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Lewis Mayo arrive at some point, to dip in and out of the team at RB/RCB (similar to what Kingsley will probably do at LB/LCB once Chesnekov arrives and Milne moves back to LB) - and to lighten Borch's workload. if Mcinnes doesn't fancy Borch then we need to sign someone. McEntee has done alright there but he's not a natural RB and sometimes struggles with his positioning. 

 

Edited October 31, 2025 by Batistuta87

[Lord Beni of Gorgie]

He did make note of the lack of productivity off the right side on Weds. I doubt Borch is off the radar, but another right back in, and we may see in time Beni and Cammy move on, Oisin and Magnus in there with Ageu and who knows else.

 

The way Milne got round the back early season, sure he will want the same off the right, especially when Chesnokov arrives, allowing him to go both ways, creating all sorts of problems and space for the likes of Shanks, Claudio, Ageu, Kyzi, and same off left. Our first goal Weds comes from Kingsley getting in front of Kyzi.

 

We will be twice as good in January

Edited October 31, 2025 by Lord Beni of Gorgie

[I.T.K]

8 minutes ago, Jambo61 said:

Makes absolutely no footballing sense!

 

I assume it means McEntee, out of position, and Steinwender are better in training then Borchgrevink and the best options at RB.

[RustyRightPeg]

13 minutes ago, Jambo61 said:

Makes absolutely no footballing sense!

Have you ever played football? 
 

If your manager starts changing things for no reason you ask questions. There’s been no “footballing sense” to change the team or bench for the last 6 games so he hasn’t. The only changes he’s made are Wilson for Kabore and Forrest for Ageu. That’s it. 
 

We haven’t lost any of those games. 

[Batistuta9]

2 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Have you ever played football? 
 

If your manager starts changing things for no reason you ask questions. There’s been no “footballing sense” to change the team or bench for the last 6 games so he hasn’t. The only changes he’s made are Wilson for Kabore and Forrest for Ageu. That’s it. 
 

We haven’t lost any of those games. 

Exactly. Our current for is WWWWD  - with the D being a Wednesday night at St Mirren which is probably one of the most difficult fixtures of the season. Always is. Why would you change anything? Players on the fringes will get their opportunities I'm sure, but I wouldn't be doing anything too drastic in the meantime. 

 

[RustyRightPeg]

4 minutes ago, Batistuta87 said:

Exactly. Our current for is WWWWD  - with the D being a Wednesday night at St Mirren which is probably one of the most difficult fixtures of the season. Always is. Why would you change anything? Players on the fringes will get their opportunities I'm sure, but I wouldn't be doing anything too drastic in the meantime. 

 

I don’t get it. I won’t call it moaning for moanings sake but McEntee has been part of a defence that kept 4 clean sheets on the bounce and I’ll say again, has not lost any games. He hasn’t been flawless, but he hasn’t been at fault for any goals conceded either. He’s been bloody good at playing in that fullback slot. 
 

Celtic hooked their best player after an hour on Sunday cause he was getting no change out of him. 

[All roads lead to Gorgie]

9 minutes ago, Lord Beni of Gorgie said:

He did make note of the lack of productivity off the right side on Weds. I doubt Borch is off the radar, but another right back in, and we may see in time Beni and Cammy move on, Oisin and Magnus in there with Ageu and who knows else.

 

The way Milne got round the back early season, sure he will want the same off the right, especially when Chesnokov arrives, allowing him to go both ways, creating all sorts of problems and space for the likes of Shanks, Claudio, Ageu, Kyzi, and same off left.

 

We will be twice as good in January

Really exciting times ahead and the prospect of getting even better in the new year is mouthwatering. 

In the meantime we need to make the best of the great group of players already here. Against the smaller teams it would be nice to see Kerjota get a start or at least a longer time on the pitch to give us a double threat on the wings. Milne on the right is a strong player when we are trying to protect that side against the likes of Celtic but a game like tomorrow I don't think he is needed playing that role.

[DixieNormous]

4 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

I don’t get it. I won’t call it moaning for moanings sake but McEntee has been part of a defence that kept 4 clean sheets on the bounce and I’ll say again, has not lost any games. He hasn’t been flawless, but he hasn’t been at fault for any goals conceded either. He’s been bloody good at playing in that fullback slot. 
 

Celtic hooked their best player after an hour on Sunday cause he was getting no change out of him. 

FAIR

[Rudi5kaceldream1ng]

Ageu on from the start. 

 

He's our marquee signing. 

 

Enough bedding in time. 

 

Unleash him. Now! 

[DixieNormous]

5 minutes ago, Rudi5kaceldream1ng said:

Ageu on from the start. 

 

He's our marquee signing. 

 

Enough bedding in time. 

 

Unleash him. Now! 

BASED ON ?

[Batistuta9]

11 minutes ago, DixieNormous said:

BASED ON ?

 

Need more shots on goal from midfield. Ageu has had more shots on goal in his 2 short cameo appearances than Beni has had in 4 years. 

 

[Luckies1874]

2 hours ago, Pingu said:

 

As an aside, I'm not convinced McEntee will be a regular starter in any position much beyond January. He's been a really solid addition but I think we'll have better options in all the positions he can cover.

 

This is my opinion too. I don't see how he is a regular starter for us moving forward. He isn't good enough on the ball at right back never mind in central midfield where I think we will continue to evolve this season and into future years. That is not to say he hasn't done an ok job there and he clearly offers a physicality, is strong aerially and appears to have an excellent attitude and professionalism. He is a useful squad player but I am far from convinced about his overall talent and therefore, given where we are headed as a team, how he continues to be a first choice pick. Be interesting to see how things develop. 

[johnking123]

McEntee has been steady. But definitely not a right back. Milne is there to come back and help him in fullback area. Saw it against celtic especially. Solid  but irreplaceable. 

[Lord Beni of Gorgie]

Just now, johnking123 said:

McEntee has been steady. But definitely not a right back. Milne is there to come back and help him in fullback area. Saw it against celtic especially. Solid  but irreplaceable. 

Its been an excellent workaround, but it is a workaround and we improved a lot for Milne going back to LB last 25 Weds, not a slight at Kingsley, improved the balance

[RustyRightPeg]

16 minutes ago, johnking123 said:

McEntee has been steady. But definitely not a right back. Milne is there to come back and help him in fullback area. Saw it against celtic especially. Solid  but irreplaceable. 

So he’s steady not great and needs another defender to help him out but he’s irreplaceable?

[johnking123]

3 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

So he’s steady not great and needs another defender to help him out but he’s irreplaceable?

Ment not irreplaceable.  

[Jambo61]

1 hour ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Have you ever played football? 
 

If your manager starts changing things for no reason you ask questions. There’s been no “footballing sense” to change the team or bench for the last 6 games so he hasn’t. The only changes he’s made are Wilson for Kabore and Forrest for Ageu. That’s it. 
 

We haven’t lost any of those games. 

Hahahahaha.....only your opinion counts eh Zico!

[Jambo61]

1 hour ago, I.T.K said:

 

I assume it means McEntee, out of position, and Steinwender are better in training then Borchgrevink and the best options at RB.

That surely is the worry no matter what 'Zico' thinks, if he can!

[RustyRightPeg]

1 minute ago, Jambo61 said:

Hahahahaha.....only your opinion counts eh Zico!

Evidently not. 3 folk replied pretty quickly agreeing with me. 

[Jambo61]

Just now, RustyRightPeg said:

Evidently not. 3 folk replied pretty quickly agreeing with me. 

Aw......you feel validated........nice!

[Carter]

3 hours ago, Pingu said:

Wouldn't surprise me at all. Although, also wouldn't surprise me if Milne (who is a bit more attacking) displaces Kingsley at LB sooner rather than later. We've not seen enough of Borch to know yet, but I imagine him as sort of a Milne type. Reasonably tall, gets up and down the park. So, yes, a slightly more defensive alternative would make sense.

 

As an aside, I'm not convinced McEntee will be a regular starter in any position much beyond January. He's been a really solid addition but I think we'll have better options in all the positions he can cover.

Not entirely sure I buy into the perception that Kingsley is merely keeping the LB berth warm for Milne. Kingsley hasn't put a foot wrong and moved to England earlier in his career for a reason. Some of his tucking in in the second half on Sunday to get tight and support Findlay on the cover was top class. He's still a very competent performer at a top pro. He doesn't need to maraud whilst Kyziridis is in front of him as Kyziridis can go inside and outside with great dexterity.

 

That's no slight on Milne, who's been excellent this season like the vast majority of the squad. Just think McInnes will truly appreciate the value of Kingsley. 

[kingantti1874]

like mcentee but thought he was exposed against Celtic at right back! in fact he definately was. Positionally he was caught out more than once and doesn’t offer hugely going forward.  Also we absolutely have to play someone in front of him protecting that area or it doesn’t work at all.  It won’t hurt us often but definitely an area where we should seek improveme.  Mcentee will get loads of game time. 

[Carter]

5 minutes ago, kingantti1874 said:

like mcentee but thought he was exposed against Celtic at right back! in fact he definately was. Positionally he was caught out more than once and doesn’t offer hugely going forward.  Also we absolutely have to play someone in front of him protecting that area or it doesn’t work at all.  It won’t hurt us often but definitely an area where we should seek improveme.  Mcentee will get loads of game time. 

He was caught a few times on Sunday where it was quite clear he's not a RB. Milne has done a fantastic job not only providing protection for him but at times coming a bit narrower to support the midfield pair. 

 

I'd be very surprised if McEntee is considered anything beyond a short term option at RB. Not sure he starts anywhere else at this moment and that could be a conundrum for McInnes potentially. 

[tiger Rudi]

1 hour ago, Luckies1874 said:

 

This is my opinion too. I don't see how he is a regular starter for us moving forward. He isn't good enough on the ball at right back never mind in central midfield where I think we will continue to evolve this season and into future years. That is not to say he hasn't done an ok job there and he clearly offers a physicality, is strong aerially and appears to have an excellent attitude and professionalism. He is a useful squad player but I am far from convinced about his overall talent and therefore, given where we are headed as a team, how he continues to be a first choice pick. Be interesting to see how things develop. 

McEntee was like a thoroughbred against Sunderland. I would like to see him used more centrally in midfield at some point before really judging him. He's not the answer at RB that's clear. However well he has filled in there, we simply must get a better look at Borch. 

I have my suspicions that McInnes has already made his mind up and we will sign a new RB in January. 

[johnking123]

McEntee is our new Eggert Jónsson

[Rick Sanchez]

If transfermarkt is accurate then this is Chesnokov's last day under contract at Tobol.