Ex-Aberdeen CEO: Hearts have made ‘surprising’ transfer decision as Rangers and Celtic race takes twist

Hearts may regret that they did not strengthen their squad further in January in the midst of a title race with Rangers and Celtic.

That is according to ex-Aberdeen, Aston Villa, and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who is “surprised” by Hearts‘ January transfer activity.

Hearts could double their turnover if they won the Scottish Premiership, with Derek McInnes’ side currently six points clear at the top of the table.

A title win would also give Hearts a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, but Rangers and Celtic both bolstered their attacking options in January to try and overhaul their lead.

Expert provides verdict on Scottish title race

Aberdeen’s former chief Keith 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 – thinks the Scottish title race is “fascinating.”

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes Celtic and Rangers are still fancying their chances of another title triumph.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think while Rangers and Celtic are in this title race, both teams are looking at this, and they’re eyeing each other up as to who’s going to finish strongest. 

“What’s surprising was Hearts didn’t really strengthen that much. They’ll say they don’t really need to. But still, Derek McInnes is still getting the results, doing well at the moment. But it’s fascinating. A three-horse race for the first time for a while and look, both managers seem to now actually have control and the board are being put back in their positions, which is good in terms of football.

“Still that big question mark over Dermot Desmond and the ownership at Celtic, even that seems to have quietened down while Martin O’Neill works his magic. Another great weekend is coming up for Scotland, and I’m very excited to see that again and pleased for it.

“I hope that international TV audiences are starting to tune into this race as well and the viewership numbers go up because it’s important that the SPL gets its media deals up as much as it can do in the next negotiation.”  

Rangers could receive £60m financial boost

Winning the Scottish Premiership title could make a huge difference to Rangers’ finances, with potential Champions League qualification netting the club up to £60million.

Rangers have not won the Scottish Premiership since the 2020-21 season, and the Glasgow club had to settle for a place in the Europa League this campaign.

Danny Rohl’s side failed to make it beyond the league phase of the competition, meaning the club are missing out on extra matchday and broadcast revenue.

Rangers’ 1-0 win over Ludogorets was their only victory in the league phase, with Rohl’s side finishing 32nd in the table.

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