Heart of Midlothian FC have set the tone for the 2025–26 Scottish Premiership season with a string of major contract extension announcements, underlining their ambition to challenge the league’s status quo. The club has officially secured the long-term futures of key players, including talismanic striker Lawrence Shankland and goalkeeper Ryan Fulton, in what many fans are hailing as a statement of intent.
🔴 Shankland Commits Until 2028
The headline announcement came earlier this week when Hearts confirmed that Lawrence Shankland, their top scorer and captain, has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal that will keep him at Tynecastle until the summer of 2028. This move ends months of speculation linking the prolific forward with moves to England and Europe.
The 29-year-old striker, who netted 25 goals across all competitions last season, has been pivotal in Hearts’ recent campaigns. He rejoined the squad this week for pre-season training in Spain, with head coach Derek McInnes hailing the new deal as “crucial” for building a competitive and cohesive team going forward.
“Lawrence is not just a goalscorer; he’s a leader on and off the pitch. Keeping him was one of our top priorities,” McInnes said.
The extension follows a dramatic U-turn, as Shankland was reportedly close to turning down the offer in favor of more lucrative terms elsewhere. However, the project being built at Tynecastle, combined with his strong relationship with the coaching staff and fans, convinced him to stay.
🧤 Fulton Extends Until 2027
Hearts also confirmed that goalkeeper Ryan Fulton has signed a contract extension until 2027. The 28-year-old shot-stopper joined the club last season and quickly established himself as a reliable last line of defense, contributing key saves in several close encounters. His clean sheet against Motherwell and an unexpected assist during that match further cemented his place in the squad.
The extension provides much-needed continuity in goal, especially as Hearts prepare for a new campaign involving European fixtures and domestic pressure.
“It’s a brilliant environment to play in, and I’m proud to be part of what we’re building,” Fulton said in an official club statement.
🧱 Stability and Strategy
These contract extensions follow a clear trend in Gorgie: consolidation. With new arrivals like Claudio Braga, Oisin McEntee, and Alexandros Kyziridis adding firepower and depth, the coaching staff is focused on blending fresh talent with experienced core players.
The importance of this strategy is not lost on supporters, who have long called for a sustainable model that doesn’t just rely on transfers but builds around a solid, consistent spine.
With Tony Bloom’s recent multi-million pound investment and Ann Budge set to step down later this year, the club is clearly entering a new phase. Securing key players like Shankland and Fulton not only strengthens the squad but sends a message of ambition and long-term vision.
📣 Fan Reaction
Unsurprisingly, Hearts supporters have been vocal in their delight across social media. The Shankland news, in particular, sparked celebration, with many describing it as “the best signing of the summer” — even though it wasn’t a new face.
“This is bigger than any transfer. Shankland staying shows the club is serious about competing,” one fan tweeted.
“Fulton’s extension might fly under the radar, but we’ll see the value week in, week out,” another wrote on a club forum.
🛡️ Looking Ahead
With more transfer activity expected before the window shuts, Hearts appear well-positioned to challenge for European places and perhaps disrupt the Celtic-Rangers duopoly. Manager Derek McInnes now has a reliable foundation upon which to build his tactics, and the board has shown they are backing the project financially and structurally.
The club’s pre-season tour continues in Spain before returning for the opening league fixtures in late July. With morale high and stability restored, there’s a renewed sense of belief around Tynecastle.
If the rest of the summer follows this trend, Hearts fans might just dare to dream of silverware once again.
