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?
5. Sander Kartum
Ended last season on loan to A-League side Wellington Phoenix after being unable to break into the Hearts starting XI. The Norwegian is back at Tynecastle ahead of next season, but is in the final year of his deal with the club. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Finlay Pollock
The youngster has his season wrecked by injury last term, and will hope to feature more this year. However, his current deal at Hearts is set to come to its conclusion in 12 months. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. James Wilson
The two cap Scotland international spent the second half of last season on loan to Tottenham Hotspur's Under-23 side, though the club negated on their option to buy. Remains highly rated, but is facing an uncertain 12 months ahead with his contract expiring at Tynecastle next summer. | SNS Group
8. Harry Milne
Played a major role in Hearts' success last season, and was a massive miss when he picked up a groin issue in the latter part of the campaign. Touted for a Scotland call-up in recent months, he is out of contract next summer, but they'd it would be no surprise to see the club open talks over a new deal for the left-back. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group