Hearts announced earlier today that Stephen Kingsley had agreed a new 18-month contract at Tynecastle. The left-back has committed his future to the club. But soon the Tynecastle club will have a decision to make about another one of their defenders.
That player is Christophe Berra. The 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season. However, despite coming towards the end of his career, Berra has been a key man for Robbie Neilson.
After not featuring at the start of the season, he has started Hearts’ last seven league games. Now, it should be remembered that Hearts do have another centre-back at the club in John Souttar, who has been out of action since February. He might not play for Hearts for a while yet, as he continues his injury recovery.
New deal makes sense
For that reason alone it makes sense for Berra to be given a new one-year deal at Tynecastle. It seems likely that Hearts will be back in the Premiership next season. The chances of Berra playing every week would have to be quite slim.
Christophe Berra in action for Hearts (Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)
However, his vast experience will be key to helping Hearts re-establish themselves in Scotland’s top flight.
Wouldn’t be overawed
He is the sort of player that could come in and do a job at a venue like Celtic Park or Ibrox, and not be overawed by the occasion.
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson and Christophe Berra (Photo by Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images)
With Berra’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Hearts and the player will need to make a decision soon. But it makes sense for the player to be handed a new deal.