Hearts fans will be desperate to see their squad improved in January as they limp through the first part of the season.
Last night’s defeat to Kilmarnock would have been chastening enough without the added problem of sliding back down to the bottom of the Premiership.
They were weak in defence and chucked away a lead at home for yet another loss to Derek McInnes‘ side.
A big part of the Jambos’ problems has been an unbalanced squad and a lack of options in wide and attacking areas.
With data analytics coming into play for player recruitment after identifying manager Neil Critchley, supporters will be looking forward to the January transfer window.
Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay on transfers
With the January window just around the corner, Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay has been looking ahead.
He admits there is likely to be a clearout of the squad next summer with a number of first-team players out of contract.
They may also look to move some out in January but he admits that will be a tougher task.
But, in terms of January, there is one player they are looking ‘very closely’ at, with the use of the data
Asked what he can say about the analytics, McKinlay told Hearts TV: “Not much more. We’re almost there with finalising a deal in relation to the analytics. But we’ve been using it, as everyone knows, for the manager appointment.
“And we’ll also be using it, and already are, for player identification both in January but probably more fundamentally come the summer.
“Everyone can see who is out of contract so there might a fairly big overhaul come the summer.
“We’re already using it, we’re enjoying using it and I think it’s going to be a great success.”
Asked to preview the winter window, he added: “We’re hoping to do some business in January. What I would say is we have a big squad. I’m not saying people have to go for others to come in but it puts demands on the manager to manage such a big squad.
“Neil is certainly of the view that he wants a smaller squad. We might not manage that in January, January is a difficult time.
“But we’ve already identified one person we’re looking very closely at. Will we get them? Who knows but we will look to strengthen. We’re already looking at the summer, in particular with analytics looking at positions we think we’ll need.”
Hearts players out of contract in the summer of 2025
McKinlay references a number of Hearts players out of contract next summer, and there are in fact nine including loans ending.
The goalkeeping situation could become a problem if one or both of Craig Gordon and Zander Clark fail to sign a new deal. While the Jambos have been trying to get skipper Lawrence Shankland on a new deal and it remains to be seen if they return to the table.
Youngster James Wilson is another out of contract and Neil Critchley discussed that after the teenager’s derby equaliser against Hibs.
Hearts players out of contract in 2025:
- Andres Salazar (loan ends, option to buy)
- Gerald Taylor (loan ends, option to buy)
- Zander Clark
- Craig Gordon
- Liam Boyce
- Barrie McKay
- Lawrence Shankland
- Jorge Grant
- James Wilson