Kenneth Vargas’ season so far has been a peculiar one.
After joining Hearts on loan from Herediano in his homeland last season, the Costa Rican forward showed plenty of promise and chipped in with nine goals and four assists.
Sure, he was rough around the edges but he was a youngster who had just moved from South America and had to adapt to life, and the football, in Scotland.
There was enough there to persuade the then boss Steven Naismith to take up the option to sign him permanently, paying a fee and tying him down on a five-year deal.
Kenneth Vargas on Hearts transfer wish
Vargas now only months into said five-year contract at Tynecastle and the campaign so far hasn’t been up to the standard of the previous one, both individually and as a team.
The 22-year-old has found the net just twice and has missed big chances against Rangers and Aberdeen as well as in other games.
He has definite attributes, pace being the most obvious one, but there would be concerns around his composure and finishing ability.
But Vargas reckons he can kick onto a higher level and has expressed a desire to do so while back in Costa Rica on international duty.
Asked about a potential move by ESPN, he said: “Yes, it’s no secret, Hearts is a great place, it’s a great team, but one always looks for better options, the ability to show oneself and compete.
“I would like to go somewhere else where I can have a better place and compete more. I don’t want my words to be misinterpreted, but I want more friction, to play against better-level players.
“There’s a possibility that I could leave in January, it does not depend on me, there is a clause, if a team comes and pays, I am the one who has the final say, but these things are not in my hands. The clause is there. I have no problem negotiating.
“I still have a while left, until 2029, but from what I have been told there are clubs interested, there is a possibility that I could leave.”
Vargas didn’t have very complimentary words to say about Scottish football as a whole, either.
He added: “I think changing teams is something personal, Scotland is a great place, but football-wise they don’t have such a good level, everyone knows that, but I want to go to a better place, I can be in a comfort zone in my club.
“I always play, but I think that’s what one looks for, to always be able to compete. Taking that into account, whatever I do with my team will benefit the national team.”
He isn’t concerned about Hearts chiefs being dismayed by his comments, insisting they are the ones who have made it clear he is a tradeable asset.
“No, they themselves are the ones who tell me that, for them I am an object of exchange”, explained Vargas.
However, Hearts Standard are reporting that club officials plan to speak to the player when he is back in the country.
Vargas comments ill-advised
While it is generally accepted that all players want to get to the highest level they possibly can, these comments are ill-advised.
It is not really a good idea to be so blatant about a desire to move on when you are still contracted with the club. It is always going to be taken as disrespectful by fans.
Making it even worse for Hearts supporters is the fact Vargas has not been performing on the pitch this season. Comments like that are even harder to take from someone whose output has been sub-par.
On top of that, no bigger club is likely to be taking a look at him for the same reasons. The only way to get them to have a look is by getting your head down and doing the business for your current club.