'I'll bet on this' - Vrancken backs Braga to stay at Hearts

What the report says

Heart of Midlothian head coach Wouter Vrancken has said he expects Claudio Braga to remain at the club beyond the transfer deadline and would “bet” on the striker staying. The comments came as Hearts prepared for the closing stages of the summer window and a derby against Hibernian, with Vrancken saying the 26-year-old is fully focused on the team and has shown commitment since arriving in Edinburgh.

Braga made a strong first season at Tynecastle after joining from the Norwegian second tier, scoring 17 goals and adding six assists. He has also begun the new campaign positively, with two goals and three assists in 10 appearances. Vrancken said that form, along with Braga’s attitude and willingness to play for the team, makes him an important figure for the club.

The Hearts head coach also suggested that another season in Scotland could help Braga’s long-term prospects. He argued that a second year in a different style of play may strengthen the forward’s case for a future move to a bigger club, rather than being judged on one successful season alone. The remarks come during a summer of major change at Hearts, with Vrancken having replaced Derek McInnes and the squad undergoing significant turnover through new signings and departures.