Hearts reveal Cammy Devlin contract decision as midfielder misses deadline

Cammy Devlin will not be returning to Hearts next season after the two parties failed to reach an agreement over a new deal.

The out-of-contract midfielder - one of the key players in Hearts’ Premiership title challenge last term - was offered improved terms to extend his five-year stay at Tynecastle Park that would have made him the highest paid player at the club.

Devlin was given extra time to weigh up his future while on duty with Australia at the World Cup but did not play a single minute for the Socceroos as they progressed to the last 32 stage before being knocked out in a penalty shoot-out defeat by Egypt on July 3.

Hearts have confirmed the departure of midfielder Cammy Devlin. | SNS Group

New boss Wouter Vrancken planned to speak with the player this week, but seven days on from Australia’s elimination, Hearts have announced that Devlin has departed after missing a deadline set by the club to give a definite answer.

A club statement read: “Heart of Midlothian can confirm that Cammy Devlin will not be returning to the club.

“Cammy was given a deadline by the club to commit to taking up the offer of a new deal, which he has failed to meet, and therefore leaves under freedom of contract.

“Cammy joined Hearts in August 2021 and would go on to make 176 appearances in maroon, scoring eight goals. The club thanks Cammy for his time at Tynecastle Park.”

Devlin joined Hearts from Newcastle Jets in his homeland's A-League in 2021 and has went on to make 176 appearances, becoming a stalwart of the midfield and a popular figure among supporters.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a possible move to Rangers after his now former Hearts manager Derek McInnes made the switch to Ibrox along with skipper Lawrence Shankland.

Clubs in Major League Soccer, the Turkish Super Lig and English Championship are also reported to have shown interest.