Hearts target Belgian boss Vrancken as Raskin price tag set at £20m

The Scottish Premiership managerial carousel is spinning once again, with Heart of Midlothian reportedly closing in on Belgian coach Wouter Vrancken. The 45-year-old, most recently in charge of Belgian Pro League side St Truiden, is the man tipped to take the reins in Gorgie as the Tynecastle board look to steady the ship after a inconsistent start to the season.

The Vrancken Link

Vrancken built a solid reputation in Belgium, guiding St Truiden to a respectable mid-table finish last term with a brand of proactive, attacking football. He previously impressed at KVC Westerlo, earning a move to the top flight. Hearts, currently sitting fifth in the Premiership, have been searching for a new gaffer since parting ways with Steven Naismith last month. Vrancken’s experience in developing young talent and his familiarity with the European transfer market could be key assets in Edinburgh.

The Belgian’s tactical flexibility — often switching between a 4-3-3 and a 3-4-3 — aligns with the modern, high-energy style the Hearts faithful crave. However, he faces a significant challenge: rebuilding confidence in a squad that has underperformed in cup competitions and struggled for consistency in league fixtures.

Braga and Raskin Rumours

Meanwhile, across the M8, Rangers are reportedly demanding a hefty £20 million for midfielder Nicolas Raskin. The Belgian international has been a standout since joining from Standard Liège, but his form has caught the eye of clubs south of the border and in Europe. Lyon, fresh from a busy transfer window, are also linked with a move for Claudio Braga — though details on that target remain sketchy.

The potential departure of Raskin would leave a significant void in Rangers’ midfield engine room. Philippe Clement’s side already lost key figures in the summer, and letting go of the 22-year-old would require careful reinvestment. For Lyon, securing a player of Raskin’s calibre would bolster their push for European qualification in Ligue 1.

What It Means

If Vrancken does land at Hearts, it signals a continued shift towards data-driven, progressive appointments in Scotland. His ability to work within a structured budget while elevating player performance will be tested in the intense Premiership environment. Meanwhile, the £20m price tag on Raskin underscores Rangers’ resolve to maximize asset value — but also highlights the financial pressures clubs face when top talent attracts suitors from bigger leagues. The coming weeks will be decisive, with both clubs aiming to strengthen their squads ahead of crucial knockout fixtures and the January window.