Attention may be firmly on this weekend’s Edinburgh derby, but there is plenty happening off the pitch for both Hearts and Hibs.
The rivals meet at Easter Road on Saturday with significant stakes in the Premiership. Hearts are aiming to strengthen their grip at the top of the table, while Hibs are chasing an important result as the battle for European qualification begins to take shape. With the January transfer window approaching and several players away on international duty at AFCON, there is no shortage of talking points surrounding both clubs.
From a former Hibs player attracting interest from England to Hearts’ recruitment model drawing widespread admiration, here are some of the latest headlines involving the Edinburgh sides.
Kabore features at AFCON
Hearts striker Pierre Landry Kabore led the line for Burkina Faso on Christmas Eve in their opening AFCON group match against Equatorial Guinea. Burkina Faso claimed a dramatic 2–1 victory, scoring twice in stoppage time after playing against ten men for much of the second half.
Kabore was substituted just after the hour mark, shortly after his side had taken the lead. The late turnaround significantly boosted Burkina Faso’s chances of progressing from the group. Ahead of the tournament, head coach Brama Traore praised the organisation of the competition in Morocco, describing the conditions as ideal and highlighting the strength of the nations involved.
Former Hibs defender linked with Sheffield United move
Sheffield United have been linked with a move for former Hibs defender Harry Clarke. The right-back previously impressed in Scotland during loan spells with Ross County and Hibs, despite enduring injury setbacks.
Now at Ipswich Town, Clarke has again struggled for fitness and has yet to feature this season after recovering from a knee issue. According to the East Anglian Daily Times, Blades manager Chris Wilder is keen on a reunion, having previously worked with the defender during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.
Hearts recruitment system earns major praise
Hearts’ transfer strategy has been under the spotlight this season, with Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics widely credited for the club’s success in the market. Bloom, who has also used the system to great effect at Brighton, introduced the data-driven approach at Tynecastle.
Recently appointed sporting director Jason Ayto described the analytics platform as a major competitive advantage, calling it one of the most admired recruitment tools in football. Speaking to the Athletic, Ayto said the system is a core part of the club’s identity and something rival teams are eager to learn more about, even if access remains tightly controlled.
Hearts’ recruitment model, he added, has become a reference point across the footballing world — not just in Scotland.
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