Hearts have confirmed the signing of Irish international Glenn Whelan.
He joins the Tynecastle side on a one-year deal. His last club was Aston Villa, where the experienced midfielder played a big part in the Villains’ return to the Premier League.
It’s a decent signing for Hearts in an area that they desperately needed to strengthen.
Some Hearts fans have reacted to Whelan arriving in Gorgie.
https://twitter.com/GorgieRulez/status/1161654449582018561
https://twitter.com/NJJarvie/status/1161653971683028992
https://twitter.com/gillianmcc51/status/1161657842648133634
Whelan gives the Hearts midfield agression
This is exactly the type of signing Craig Levein needs. He has plenty of young boys in his midfield with the likes of Harry Cochrane, Connor Smith and Andy Irving to name a few.
To bring in a player who has played 276 Premiership games and 189 Championship matches over the course of his career means Levein now has some midfield experience.
Whelan’s also familiar with the international scene, having played 85 times for the Republic of Ireland.
The mentor-like role he’ll play to the likes of Irving will be great, but it’s his own ability on the park which Hearts need most
Whelan will be able to complete the dirty work in the middle for Hearts. Not only can he do that, but the Irishman also has excellent passing range.
Fitness won’t be an issue with him either, despite the fact he’ll turn 36 next year. 35 appearances in the Championship for a competitive Villa side last season proved as much.
This is a great signing for Hearts and fans will be eager to see Whelan make his debut.