'I'm hearing...' - Industry expert: Hearts to sign 'eye-opening' Shankland replacement after Rangers move
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Shankland struck 16 league goals this term as the Jambos came within touching distance of their first league title since 1960, but he will now play in Rangers’ colours after they exploited a clause in his contract to sign him on a free transfer. VISIT THE RANGERS TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Keith Wyness: Lawrence Shankland exit could be positive for HeartsAberdeen’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa, and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Shankland’s exit could become a positive development for Hearts.
The Gorgie outfit are run by Brighton supremo Tony Bloom, who has a reputation for finding bargains in the market with his Jamestown Analytics company.StatsShankland TotalsApps (Starts)29 (28)Goals16xG11.3Shots on Target per 901.33Big Chances Missed per 900.4Conversion Rate18.6%Shankland’s 2025-26 Premiership stats, as per Fotmob.Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness suggested that Hearts have some exciting replacements lined up, while adding that he expects Shankland to be successful at Rangers.“It’s a big blow for Hearts because Shankland’s been a key player, but I’m hearing the replacements they’re looking at could be eye-opening and interesting thanks to Bloom and his Jamestown analytics,” he said.“Shankland is getting on in terms of age, but I think he can do well at Rangers. He’s probably got one good season.
He’s a great goalscorer in the box, he’s a natural, and I wish him the best at Rangers. “I think it’s actually smart for Hearts to cash in on Shankland to a degree, even though it’s a free transfer, the wages will go to somebody new coming in, and I think they’ve got to have faith now on Jamestown and their selection of potential new candidates going forward.”Rangers backed to explore Eastern European marketWyness told Football Insider earlier this week that Rangers should look to the Eastern European market more, as he feels that they have lost ground on Celtic with their transfer business in recent years.