Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on June 24 that Hearts have chosen Wouter Vrancken and that he is expected to travel to Edinburgh to finalise a contract.
- Vrancken arrives with a strong Belgian record, including a Belgian Cup win with Mechelen and a third‑place finish with Sint‑Truiden that earned European qualification.
- Hearts ran a structured interview process led by sporting director Graeme Jones and chairman Calum Paterson using input from Jamestown Analytics and also interviewed Maarten Martens and Rene Hake.
- The new coach is reported to want two Belgian assistants, Tim Smolders and Cederique Tulleners, as the club races to have a settled staff before players return for pre‑season.
- Transfer business is ongoing, with Sabri Guendouz reported close after a €1m agreement with Beerschot and Michael Steinwender moving to VfL Bochum, as Hearts prepare for Champions League ties with Sturm Graz.