Hearts confirm major squad shake-up as 4 players leave in summer clear-out

Hearts have announced the departure of four players who have reached the end of their contracts, just days after star man Lawrence Shankland made the move to Rangers.

Centre-backs Frankie Kent and Lewis Neilson, along with midfielder Beni Baningime, and winger Alan Forrest, will depart the Jambos this month. Cammy Devlin’s deal is also set to expire in the summer, but fans of the Tynecastle side are desperate to keep him. With the player not having been included on the released list, there seems to be some hope that he could extend his stay in Edinburgh.

Devlin is currently with his national team, Australia, for a pre-World Cup training camp, and he hopes to have a seat on that plane. Hearts fans will be hoping he signs on before the competition, with at least three MLS clubs keen on his signature. One has put a contract on the table already, so he isn’t without options.

Craig Gordon is also out of contract soon, but could remain at the club after his absence from the list. He has been called up by Steve Clarke to represent Scotland in North America, and the 43-year-old is rumoured to retire after the tournament.

As for those who have been confirmed to leave, fans have accepted their fate but have mixed opinions on the decisions. Beningime, in particular, is a brilliant footballer; however, he is very injury-prone, and they could look to replace him with someone who doesn’t carry that trait.

Fans on social media of many clubs around Scotland have expressed their interest in signing Forrest. People would love to see him return to Ayr United, but Kilmarnock fans would also be happy to have him on their books. There are rumours that he could be in talks with Aberdeen, but nothing is confirmed.

People have often been impressed with Kent when he represented the Jambos on the pitch, and there are clubs from around Britain who could take a punt on him.

In regard to Neilson, he is only 23, so he still has a lot of time to develop. Things will click for him, and he will turn out to be an incredible defender. It’s just a shame for him that he won’t get to show his talent at Hearts.