Scottish Premiership club Hearts is close to appointing Dutch coach Rene Hake as their next manager, sources indicate. Hake, 54, who served as assistant to Robin van Persie at Feyenoord last season and helped the Dutch side secure a second-place finish in the Eredivisie, has held discussions with Hearts and is understood to be a leading candidate to succeed Derek McInnes at Tynecastle.

In addition to the managerial developments, Hearts have confirmed the signing of Malachi Fagan-Walcott, marking their fifth acquisition during this summer’s transfer window. The move underlines the club’s intent to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Elsewhere in Scottish football, Motherwell has appointed Alfred Johansson as their new manager, replacing Jens Berthel Askou. The 35-year-old Johansson previously managed Norwegian club Rosenborg, guiding them to a fourth-place league finish and qualification for European competition in his debut season.

Meanwhile, Celtic has raised concerns about the scheduling of Premiership fixtures following Sky Sports’ recent acquisition of broadcasting rights. The club criticized the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and Police Scotland after it was announced that their 2026/27 season opener would take place on a Monday night, an unusual kickoff time intended to accommodate broadcasting arrangements.

These developments highlight a period of significant managerial and operational shifts within Scottish football clubs as they prepare for the upcoming season.