Most new managers that take over a struggling team relish the chance to get to their first transfer window and make their own signings.
Clubs hiring a new boss are usually in need of some inspiration on the pitch as well as in the dugout, and Hearts are currently no different.
Neil Critchley has certainly had an impact, losing just once in his five games in charge with some big wins along the way in Europe and domestically.
But they remain second bottom in the Premiership and that momentum will have to continue if the Tynecastle side are to pull themselves away from trouble.
January will provide the Englishman with the opportunity to add to an unbalanced squad and Michael Stewart has already explained what he’d like to the Jambos to do in the market.
CEO Andrew McKinlay last week teased that the club were already planning for the window and said they were looking ‘very closely’ at one player in particular.
He did though admit the squad was already pretty big and suggested some would have to be moved out, with Critchley backing that up.
Hearts players that could leave the club in January transfer window
With that in mind, Not the Old Firm has decided to take a look at some of the players who could be in line to move on.
A number are out of contract in the summer and McKinlay said there would be a big clearout then. But some could move on quicker than that in order to free up space for quality additions.
Barrie McKay – Not starting many games now and used sparingly off the bench. A shadow of the player Hearts first signed and out of contract in the summer.
Liam Boyce – A quality player for Hearts over the years but his legs appear to have gone. Not getting a look in right now and his deal is also up on 2025.
Jorge Grant – Has been often used as one of the first subs by Critchley but not really starting games. Another nearing the end of his deal and has often had interest throughout his time up north.
Lawrence Shankland – Will not be impressing any visiting scouts as much as he was over the previous two seasons amid a form dip. But could still be a shrewd pick-up for somebody on a pre-contract or in January. Hearts still won’t want to lose him but if they get offered money in January instead of losing him for nothing…
Zander Clark – Now playing second fiddle to Craig Gordon and that will be a frustration. Yet another first-team player nearing the end of his deal.
Gerald Taylor – A long-term injury means the right-back could see his loan ended early even though Hearts have an option to buy.
Andres Salazar – Another loanee who could head back but for differing reasons. Salazar has made just one appearance since signing and has missed out on squads under Critchley.
Musa Drammeh – Like Salazar, Drammeh has played just once and that was off the bench. Aged 22 and not a young teenager, it looks like he’s not at the standard required to play in the Hearts first-team. Not getting opportunities despite a dearth of other options.
Macaulay Tait (loan) – The youngster was quite heavily involved under Steven Naismith last season but not so much this campaign. Hasn’t featured under the new manager so perhaps a loan would be beneficial.