What happened: Hearts have confirmed the signing of midfielder Tom Renaud on a four-year contract, landing the 25-year-old as a free agent following the expiry of his deal at French third-tier side Versailles. The Edinburgh club moved twice in quick succession, having earlier secured forward Sabri Guendouz from Belgian club Beerschot for an undisclosed fee. The Tynecastle side billed Renaud, who was born in Ploemeur, as the 'maestro of Versailles.'
Why it matters: The double swoop signals a clear continental recruitment push at Tynecastle ahead of the new campaign, with Renaud becoming the club's seventh summer addition. Bringing in a creative central midfielder on a long-term contract gives the side a free-transfer building block as it reshapes its core for the season ahead.
By the numbers: Renaud came through the youth ranks at Lorient before two loan spells at Cholet preceded a permanent move in 2022, where he made 112 appearances and scored eight goals. He joined Versailles in 2024, featuring 24 times as they finished 13th, then 32 times last season as they climbed to fifth, contributing seven assists without scoring.
What to watch: Watch for how Hearts integrate Renaud and Guendouz into the side and whether further summer signings follow the pair to Tynecastle.