Heart of Midlothian

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

Hot on the heels of title heartbreak, the departure of captain and talisman Lawrence Shankland to Rangers is another crushing blow.

This summer was already shaping up to be a major rebuild for Derek McInnes. It becomes much more difficult when you now need to replace your leader, your top goalscorer and, in the eyes of many supporters, your best player.

On a human level, it is not difficult to understand the attraction for Shankland, who grew up supporting Rangers and will earn more money at Ibrox than Tynecastle.

The bigger issue is what his exit - 12 months after signing a three-year deal - says about Hearts' decision-making. It is a damaging outcome for a club trying to present itself as ambitious and well run.

That is what makes this so difficult to take. Shankland still delivered on the pitch, with 20 goals this season and six assists, and Hearts were entitled to believe keeping him gave them the best possible chance of competing at the top.

But if, as appears to be the case, he has gone for little or no transfer fee, supporters are bound to question how that situation was allowed to develop.

Across his four-year Hearts career, Shankland scored 88 goals and supplied 29 assists in 171 appearances. That is not routine output to replace and it underlines the scale of the challenge now facing us.

If Hearts genuinely want to go one step further next season, then losing a player of this importance is a major setback. It weakens us immediately and strengthens a direct rival.

His legacy in Gorgie may now feel complicated for some supporters, but it should still be a significant one. He was a hero to many younger fans, wore the armband with authority and gave Hearts some huge moments.

He may not have lifted silverware in maroon, but he scored against every domestic opponent he faced and stepped up as captain in an emotional period after Craig Gordon's double leg break in December 2022. Those contributions should not be forgotten.

He will also be remembered for the moments supporters love - the seven Edinburgh derby goals, the edge in his game, and even that pie-eating episode at Tynecastle after scoring against Hibs.

I wish him well with Scotland at the World Cup this summer but after that, I hope he suffers the worst spell in front of goal of his whole career!

The bigger concern now is how Hearts respond. If Jamestown Analytics and the recruitment team are as strong as supporters have been encouraged to believe, this is the moment to prove it.

Hearts may need more than one signing to replace the goals, leadership and presence Shankland brought, but a decisive response is now essential.

Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Derek McInnes asserted at various times throughout the season that Lawrence Shankland is the best striker in Scottish football.

That remains up for debate – but one thing for certain is Hearts' loss is Rangers' gain.

Eleven months after the striker ended a saga over his future by signing a three-year deal to stay at Tynecastle, he has abruptly left to join a direct rival.

The 30-year-old Scotland international's stats make impressive reading. He leaves with an overall record of 88 goals – plus 29 assists – in 171 games for Hearts.

Since his move to Tynecastle in summer 2022, no player has scored more Premiership goals than Shankland, who hit 72 in 135 matches. He is also top in that timeframe for shots and shots on target.

With Shankland in the team, Hearts had a win rate of 49.6% and averaged 1.7 points per game. When he was absent, those figures fell to 41% and 1.41 respectively.

In his prolific debut year in Gorgie, Shankland netted 28 across all competitions. It made him the club's first player since John Robertson in 1991-92 to break the 20-goal barrier in a season – he departs having achieved the feat in three of his four Tynecastle campaigns.

His numbers dipped last term as Hearts struggled, finishing in the bottom six under Neil Critchley, but he has been back to his best this season as McInnes' side fell just short of an incredible title triumph.

Shankland was joint second in the Premiership goal chart – behind Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise (17) – with 16 goals, from an xG of just 11.32. The Hearts skipper had the fourth most shots and shots on target, scored 10 of his 21 big chances and was also top five for touches in the opposition box.

Of course, there's more to Shankland than goals. "Proper captain", "huge influence on our team" and "best signing" were other accolades Hearts boss McInnes bestowed upon the skipper and striker.

Link-up play, game intelligence and leadership are all assets Shankland brings to Ibrox and Hearts must find a way of replacing.

Image source, SNS

Hearts took just 49 words to announce the end of Lawrence Shankland's Tynecastle career.

The striker was a hero in Gorgie, but moves on after four years and will officially become a Rangers player next month.

"Heart of Midlothian can confirm that Lawrence Shankland is leaving the club to join Rangers," the club's statement said.

"The striker will make the move to Ibrox on undisclosed terms once the summer transfer window opens on June 15th.

"We thank Lawrence for all of his efforts during his four years in Gorgie."

Image source, SNS

Lawrence Shankland says he will always be grateful to Hearts, but is now ready to lead Rangers' drive for silverware.

The Scotland striker, 30, has swapped Tynecastle for Ibrox on a two-year contract with the option for a further 12 months.

Glasgow-born Shankland scored 20 goals for Hearts last season and 88 in a four-year spell.

Rangers passed up the chance to sign him under Russell Martin last summer but head coach Danny Rohl was quick to snap him up.

Shankland, who captained Hearts in recent campaigns, told Rangers TV: "The last two or three years have been huge in terms of development of the leadership side.

"Obviously, it's not easy to be captain, Hearts are another big club, and there are a lot of pressures as well.

"It's a responsibility I feel I've dealt with pretty well. There have been a couple of tough moments in there as well with Hearts that we had to deal with and come through.

"We had a good season last year, but I now come here with all those learning curves done and I feel like I am in a really good spot in my career to join Rangers.

"When you come to make the decision to leave, it's never easy. It was a bit easier, the fact that it's obviously Rangers, but listen, Hearts have been a huge part of my life for the last four years, and I'll always be grateful to them for the opportunities they gave me."

Rangers fans, is Shankland's signing a serious statement of intent as the club look to get back among the silverware? Tell us here.

Hearts fans, where does Shankland's exit leave your club? What needs to happen now? Have your say.

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Cammy Devlin has opened up on the agony of Hearts' "unjust" title near miss, admitting it was "the worst day of my career".

Hearts topped the Premiership for the majority of the season and headed to Celtic Park on the final day needing a point for their first top-flight title in 66 years, only to concede two late goals and fall to a 2-1 defeat.

That could well be out-of-contract Devlin's final game for the Tynecastle club as he looks set to end his five-year Hearts career by joining Lawrence Shankland in departing this summer.

Speaking from Australia's pre-camp where he is trying to secure a place in their 26-man World Cup squad, Devlin, 27, said: "It's hard because it was the worst day of my career, how disappointing it was. Unjust is probably the word, we didn't deserve that, how it ended and everything.

"On a positive side, the best thing for me is I'm lucky enough to come straight into a camp representing my country. That can change your mindset straight away and you've got no choice other than to get back and perform at your highest level.

"That's been really good. I feel so lucky I have that opportunity. I feel like if I didn't have that and went on holiday or back home, it would really weigh on my mind every minute because of how disappointing it was.

"I'm lucky to get this opportunity, there's no bigger carrot at the end of this, so to come in here and have something else to focus on is really good.

"But it was really tough the first couple of days, just because of how it all happened. Still, there's so many thoughts of what could've been different, what probably should've been different. I know that's a lot of feeling with the boys around Hearts and everyone around the place.

"Really undeserving finish to what was an amazing season with such a special club. Everything we did and achieved was incredible.

"Still not over what happened. But to have this shirt on, and get the chance to train, represent my country and hopefully at the end of it go to a World Cup, there's no better thing to look forward to."

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Hearts winger Alexandros Kyziridis has been rewarded for an impressive debut season at Hearts with a first Greece call-up.

The 25-year-old contributed six goals and 11 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for Derek McInnes' side, who were pipped to the league title by Celtic on the final day.

Kyziridis will now aim for an international debut after being included by Greece boss Ivan Jovanovic for friendlies with Sweden and Italy next month.

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Rangers' expected capture of Lawrence Shankland is better late than never.

That's the verdict of Kris Doolan, a former striker who knew the way to goal himself with over 120 career strikes.

Dollan reckons 30-year-old Hearts captain Shankland is a forward Rangers have been "crying out for for years" and says it makes sense for the club to target the domestic market.

Shankland is set to undergo a medical on Tuesday before completing his transfer to Ibrox.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish football podcast, Doolan added: "I think he's a brilliant signing for Rangers.

"Rangers at the top are starting to realise there's good players in Scotland and you know don't have to always go and spend millions of pounds to bring players in when you've got a Shankland for instance who knows the league, who knows the clubs in Scottish football.

"You think back to the successful Rangers sides with Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller. You don't have to go far for these guys and to find them in the country.

"So sometimes we overlook the top Scottish players, although it is a sore one for Hearts because he's been outstanding for them.

"He's been one of those players where every time he plays they win. He contributes whether he scores or he assists. His movement's great."

Hearts fans, we asked for your view on captain Lawrence Shankland's prospective move to Rangers.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Michael: Was always going to happen. I think we've had the best of him, and we need to reengineer the team and progress. Good luck to him.

Georgie: Treachery is the word for Shankland's move to Rangers. They didn't want him last year. Hearts will find a far better goalscorer and captain.

Douglas: I can think of little more stupid than selling Shankland to Rangers.

McKnight: Completely and utterly devastated. To lose the league was bad enough, but losing Shanks is arguably worse for our 10-year plan. He was one of us, our hero and leader on the pitch.

Gregor: Absolutely gutting. The talisman. The main man. Joining Rangers? To take a step down is a huge kick in the teeth for us, just got to hope that Mr Bloom and his team have an unknown goal machine lined up to replace him.

Fraser: Great captain and leader and deserves his move. Loved the guy, however, we've had Robbo, Skacel, and I'm sure Tony Bloom will get another. Motherwell and St Mirren seem to pull players from nowhere. All the best, Shanks

Andy: If Shankland goes to a rival - especially one below us in the league - then Hearts need to explain why they have done this to the fans.

Brian: Why on earth would Shankland want to sign for them? How much are Hearts getting? When does Lewandowski arrive at Tynecastle?

George: This would possibly be Lawrence's final big money move, so I really don't criticise him for making this decision at this stage of his career. Huge disappointment for Hearts, though.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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There is "a very high possibility" Lawrence Shankland will be handed the captain's armband should he complete his move to Rangers from Hearts, according to former Ibrox centre-half Colin Hendry.

The 30-year-old Scotland striker is expected to make the switch despite agreeing a new contract last summer at Tynecastle, where he has worn the skippers' armband.

Speaking at Hampden Park as he helped launch next month's Refugee World Cup, Hendry said: "He's more than equipped to lead and and that would be a statement right away.

"I would think there'd be a very high possibility of him becoming the captain. I think if you were to talk about how well he did at Hearts in that role then I think a lot of people would say that he's been successful and able to cope with that and everything that's thrown at you in relation to that position and that situation."

As much as Hendry is confident Shankland will thrive it Ibrox, he nonetheless says "it's a shock" to see the move so close to completion so quickly after the end of the domestic season.

"First of all, he'd re-signed for Hearts last season," the former Scotland defender added. "I've spoken to a couple of people there that know more about it and there was a clause that he could leave.

"It would be Danny Rohl's first signing of the summer window and I think it would be great for Rangers. He would be a great asset to Rangers if they get the signature.

"To get him signed prior to going to the World Cup would be good as well because everybody's at ease and then you know it's finished - you know it's all tied up. It's a big, big coup for Rangers. "

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Lawrence Shankland's pending transfer to Rangers is a "win-win" for the Scotland striker and Hearts, according to Ryan Flynn.

Rangers have agreed a deal with their Scottish Premiership rivals for the 30-year-old, with the move subject to a medical.

And Arbroath midfielder Flynn, previously of Falkirk, Sheffield United and St Mirren, thinks much has changed since a move to Ibrox failed to materialise a year ago.

"I don't think Lawrence Shankland's stock was as high last summer," he tells the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "So, from a business point of view - from Rangers' perspective - they could probably have got him for a fraction of what it'll cost now.

"I'd imagine he'll be asking for a substantial signing-on fee and higher wages now. So, financially, that's not ideal for Rangers.

"But, from a player's perspective, it's absolutely the right move for him. He'll make more money and it's his boyhood club - that's where he wants to go."

Hearts are poised to lose the captain and top scorer who led them so close to their first Scottish title in 66 years, but Flynn believes the Edinburgh club's tie-in with the Jamestown Analytics recruitment model will find a suitable replacement.

"The players will be gutted, of course, but I don't think he'll be the only one leaving Hearts," he says.

"I think the club - under the Jamestown model - has had an outstanding season, and this is only the start. There will be more players moving on.

"To be honest, from Hearts' point of view, yes, he's leaving for a nominal fee - maybe even effectively a free transfer - but keeping him for that year has turned out to be fantastic business.

"They've now qualified for Champions League qualifiers, they've had a brilliant season and they're probably ahead of where they expected to be under this new model.

"Over five or six years, they'll look to build even more, but this European money and success means they're already ahead of the curve. So I actually think, all things considered, it's a win-win."

Lawrence Shankland is flying back to Glasgow from holiday to have a medical and complete a transfer to Rangers, who have offered the 30-year-old striker a two-year contract - with an option of a third - and will join the Ibrox club for free because of a clause in his Hearts contract. (Daily Record), external

Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland will sign for Rangers after agreeing personal terms with the club he supported as a boy. (Scottish Sun), external

Lawrence Shankland could overtake centre-half Emmanuel Fernandez and midfielder Nicolas Raskin as Rangers' new captain should the Scotland striker complete his transfer from Hearts. (Football Insider), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Former Hearts striker Ryan Stevenson worries how the club would cope if they were to lose their captain Lawrence Shankland.

The Scotland international is set to join Rangers after consistently being linked with a move to Ibrox in recent years.

Shankland led Hearts to second place this season, with the Tynecastle side missing out on the title to Celtic on the final day. Since joining in 2022, the forward has scored 88 goals in 171 appearances.

"Straight away, you're losing 20 to 30 goals a season if Shankland leaves," Stevenson told BBC Scotland. "You're losing your captain, who is pivotal on and off the park.

"One of Hearts' title rivals is potentially taking their best player. It's a bitter blow. They're going to somehow have to try to replace him and I just don't see how Hearts do that.

"They need to find solutions, maybe that's signing two players. They are going to have to put their money where their mouth is."

Stevenson also feels Shankland could take the captain's armband for Rangers with James Tavernier departing Ibrox after 11 years.

"From Rangers' point of view, what a signing," he said.

"I would be very surprised if he wasn't in with a shout of being Rangers captain too, with Tavernier leaving.

"I think he would score more goals for Rangers than he does for Hearts. If it goes through, it's a tremendous signing for Rangers."

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

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Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh spoke last Sunday about the club's need for leaders, ideally Scottish leaders and gnarled professionals.

He never mentioned Lawrence Shankland but almost didn't need to. The striker is everything he was describing. Rangers are not particularly lacking for goals - they outscored Celtic and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership in the season just gone - but they need steel and presence and Shankland provides that.

It was evident on Friday that things were moving quickly. It's still not definite - as of now he has not signed and there's still a medical to complete - but everything is heading rapidly in the right direction from a Rangers perspective, if not from a Hearts point of view.

Shankland is returning from holiday and final agreement would appear to be imminent. Pending any departures he would join Youssef Chermiti, Ryan Naderi, Bojan Miovski and Danilo as Danny Rohl's options up front. It's unlikely that all of those will be Rangers players come the start of the season. Shankland, if it gets done, would be the main man.

People with knowledge of the negotiations are being coy about what Rangers are paying Hearts for Shankland. Both sides are not comfortable talking about a supposed break clause in Shankland's Hearts contract that would allow him to leave for nothing, a scenario that would, no doubt, infuriate Hearts fans even further.

Losing their captain and principal scorer is bad enough but losing him for little or no money might be deemed insult added to injury. Right now, the phrases being used are 'undisclosed fee' and 'Rangers paid the required amount'.

Shankland has a prolific record for Hearts against Rangers, scoring both in a 2-0 win at Ibrox in September, getting what turned out to be the winner against them in December and in May, both times at Tynecastle.

He scored against Rangers in a 3-3 draw in May, 2024 and scored in a 3-1 loss and a 2-1 loss in November and October 2023. He's the most prolific scorer Hearts have had since the great John Robertson.

Shankland netted 20 goals for Derek McInnes' team in their near-glory season, part of which he missed through injury. He's pushing hard to start for Scotland against Haiti in the opening game of the World Cup.

For McInnes, this will come as a bitter blow. Shankland and Hearts were at a bit of a stand-off at the end of season 2024-25, a long-running dispute over salary between the club and the player's representatives threatening to see an end of him at Tynecastle.

When McInnes was appointed manager, one of the main items on his list was to keep Shankland. He was insistent he needed the striker and a deal was done. McInnes and Shankland have worked excellently together. Those days would appear to be over. Shankland to Rangers will take a lot of beating as the signing of the summer.

Image source, SNS

Rangers want to sign Hearts captain and Scotland forward Lawrence Shankland, 30. (Sun), external

Advanced talks are taking place over Shankland's proposed move to Ibrox. (Sky Sports), external

A deal for Shankland to join Rangers could be completed by the start of next week. (Record - subscription required), external

Rangers are pushing for a move as quickly as possible with Shankland soon to be joining up with Scotland's World Cup squad. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Sunday's Scottish gossip

York City forward Malachi Fagan-Walcott, 24, is a transfer target for Hearts. (Record - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, three Major League Soccer clubs are keen on Hearts' Australia midfielder Cammy Devlin, 27. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Saturday's Scottish gossip

Derek McInnes wants to bring St Johnstone goalkeeping coach Gordon Marshall to Hearts, having previously worked with him at Aberdeen and St Johnstone. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

Hearts remain hopeful of beating competition for the signature of 20-year-old Lincoln City centre-back MJ Kamson-Kamara after detailed talks, but they have not yet made a move for 28-year-old Falkirk winger Calvin Miller, who would command a decent six-figure fee, while 20-year-old Hannover midfielder Alexander Vogel is not on their radar despite reports. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.