Wouter Vrancken is set to become the new manager of Heart of Midlothian, with a deal expected to be finalised upon his arrival in Edinburgh tomorrow. The Belgian, who led Sint-Truiden to a historic third-place finish in the Jupiler League last season, will succeed Derek McInnes at Tynecastle.
Vrancken to Bring Belgian Assistants
According to Record Sport, Vrancken hopes to bring two fellow Belgians with him as his assistants: former Club Brugge midfielder Tim Smolders and Jong Cercle coach Cederique Tulleners. Smolders, 45, recently left his role as assistant at Stade de Reims, while Tulleners, 35, has coached in China, Saudi Arabia, and with Lithuania's U21s.
Hearts' Search for a New Boss
Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones and chairman Calum Paterson conducted interviews in London over the past week, drawing up a list of candidates using their partnership with Jamestown Analytics. Vrancken, formerly of Genk, Gent, and Mechelen, was chosen after leading Sint-Truiden to their best league finish in 60 years.
Pre-Season Preparations
Barring any last-minute issues, Vrancken will sign a deal before meeting his players on Thursday when they return for pre-season training. The 47-year-old's appointment marks a new chapter for Hearts as they aim to build on last season's performance.
Player Movements
Hearts have continued their summer reshuffle by allowing Austrian defender Michael Steinwender to join VfL Bochum after 18 months at the club. Steinwender made 34 appearances last season and is expected to net Hearts a profit on the six-figure fee paid to IFK Vernal in January 2025.
Meanwhile, Hearts have told Lyon they must pay over £8.5 million to secure Claudio Braga, as the Ligue 1 side eyes a move. However, French forward Sabri Guendouz is close to becoming Hearts' sixth signing of the summer. Guendouz, who can play across the frontline, spent last season with Beerschot, scoring three goals and providing seven assists in the Challenger League.
