According to the Daily Record, Hearts are close to securing the services of released Sheffield United striker Conor Washington.
The Northern Irish international is a striker who has been about the EFL for most of his career. He’s took in spells at Newport County, Peterborough United, Queen’s Park Rangers and most recently with the Blades.
He was released by the Brammal Lane side after their promotion to the Premier League. Now the Jambos are reportedly after him as their next attacking option.
Is he a good signing for the Gorgie side?
Hearts should look elsewhere before signing Washington
His stats from the 2018/19 season don’t make for pretty reading. In 22 appearances he scored zero, grabbing just three assists. Sure he was a bit-part player, but these stats aren’t great.
The season before that wasn’t much better, with Washington netting six times in 34 appearances.
The last time the Northern Irishman hit the net at club level was the 10th of February 2018 during a 2-1 QPR defeat to Wolves. Sure he’s had some decent campaigns before. Yes, QPR did buy him for £2.8 million in 2016. Hearts should still consider other options first though.
The Jambos need confident strikers now, not another gamble that might not work. At this point in his career, that’s what Washington is.
There has been reported interest in MK Dons talisman Chuks Aneke, who scored 19 goals in 41 games last term. There has also been reported interest in free agent Lawrence Shankland, who scored over thirty goals for Ayr United last season.
These are the players Hearts should go for first. They’ll be confident after a decent season and will be more assured goal options than Washington would be.
If it works Washington would be great on a free, he’s proven before he knows where the net is. However, given he’s not found it in over a year at club level, Craig Levein should focus on those who have scored regularly in recent times.