Hearts will hoping to prove that last season’s title challenge was no flash in the pan after pushing Celtic to the final day in last season’s Scottish Premiership.
Despite leading the pack for the bulk of the season, Hearts were denied at the death as Martin O’Neill was able to mastermind a late comeback as they defeat the Jambos 3-1 to secure a fifth Scottish Premiership title. However, under the tutelage of new manager Wouter Vrancken, they’ll be aiming to go one better next season.
It has been a busy summer at Tynecastle already, with the club announcing the arrivals of Josh McPake, Calvin Miller, Tomas Renaud, Sabri Guendouz, Amadou Ba-Sy, and MJ Kamson-Kamara. There’s been outgoings too, though, with captain Lawrence Shankland, Frankie Kent, Michael Steinwender, Lewis Neilson, Beni Baningime and Alan Forrest all departing the club.
But which other players are facing an uncertain few months ahead? Which Hearts players are about to enter the final year of their contract - and which of them could depart the club next summer?
1. Stephen Kingsley
A Hearts stalwart, the versatile defender has been a huge success since his arrival at Tynecastle in the summer of 2020, but is scheduled to be out of contract next summer. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. Zander Clark
Dropped to third choice last season, and ended the campaign on loan to Doncaster Rovers in the English third tier. Could move on this summer, but is currently contracted at Tynecastle until the summer of 2027. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. Blair Spittal
Scored a memorable winner in the Edinburgh derby win over Hibs last season, and has been a successful signing since his arrival in the summer of 2025. The playmaker will be out of contract next summer though, unless he is offered a new deal by the club. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
4. Alexander Schwolow
Hearts' number one signed a two year deal when he first arrived at the club last summer. The German stopper could have his deal extended in the near future after a strong debut campaign with the club, but is scheduled to be out of contract next summer at the time of writing. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group