Walsall defender Oisin McEntee is on the verge of joining Scottish Premiership side Hearts of Midlothian.
The 24-year-old’s contract at the Poundland Bescot Stadium runs out this summer.
It’s reported that McEntee has visited Tynecastle Park and held talks with the Scottish side ahead of his potential move north.
The Irish Under-21 international was born in New York and came through the Newcastle United academy. While at Newcastle, he experienced a loan spell with Scottish side Greenock Morton, where he made 28 appearances.
He joined League Two outfit Walsall in the summer of 2022, and has made 79 appearances for the Saddlers since, 37 of which came this season.
His last appearance for Walsall looks to be in last week’s play-off final defeat to AFC Wimbledon, where he was used as an early substitution as a result of Harry Williams’ early first-half injury.
Linked With The Scottish Premiership Before
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from Walsall before, linked with Edinburgh rivals Hibernian earlier in the year, but he now looks set to join Hearts, who have been busy in the market already, securing a permanent move for on-loan striker Elton Kabangu, as well as agreeing deals for right-back Christian Borchgrevink and winger Alexandros Kyziridis.
McEntee is a versatile defender who has played three positions for the Saddlers this season, centre-back, defensive midfield and central midfield. According to the Edinburgh Evening News, Hearts intend to sign him to strengthen their midfield.
Potential Walsall Rebuild Needed
The Irishman is one of 13 players who are out of contract at the Bescot Stadium, as the fourth-tier side looks to prepare for the next campaign after the disappointment of missing out on promotion to League One.
Seven loanees are also returning to their parent clubs, leaving only seven players under contract for next season. Walsall manager Mat Sadler recently admitted that it will be tough to retain all of his key players in an interview with the Express & Star, whilst keeping in line with a tight budget.
Although McEntee was more of a rotation player, it’ll still come as a blow to lose a reliable player who has been at the club for a substantial amount of time.
If the Saddlers want to push for promotion next season, it’s clear that a rebuild needs to be done to do so.
Writer’s View
Walsall need to bounce back from the disappointment of missing out on promotion, and with the club looking like they are going to stick with Sadler in charge, this transfer window is crucial.
Walsall’s ability to sniff out young talent was showcased last season, with the likes of Stoke City loanees Nathan Lowe and Tommy Simkin, alongside non-league talents like Jamie Jellis, impressing in the Midlands. Experienced players such as Albert Adomah, who were also brought in last summer, have also played a crucial part. Walsall need to replicate the good recruitment that happened last year if they are gunning for promotion again.
