Heart of Midlothian Football Club is delighted to confirm that Beni Baningime has signed a new contract.
The midfield architect has penned a two-year deal, keeping him at Tynecastle Park until 2026, subject to Scottish FA approval.
25-year-old Beni has proved a massive hit with teammates and supporters since joining the Jambos from Everton back in July 2021.
An outstanding debut season was cruelly cut short by a cruciate ligament injury, which kept him out of action for the entire 2022/23 campaign.
He returned to the pitch in the opening league fixture of this season, steadily building match fitness and getting back into the groove in the middle of the park. In February of this year it was revealed by the CIES Football Observatory that Beni was the Premiership’s top player in keeping the ball under pressure, with a ball retention ratio under pressure of 87.9%.
To date, he has pulled on the maroon jersey 62 times and has hit the back of the net twice.
Having helped the Jambos to third place in the league twice in three years, Beni can now look forward to representing Hearts in European football next season.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Head Coach Steven Naismith said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve got this sorted and Beni has committed his future to the club.
“I think everyone can see that he is now getting back to his best on the pitch, which was always going to take a bit of time given the rehabilitation process he had to go through.
“The exciting thing for me is that Beni is only going to get better. There is more to come from him and that bodes very well for the team heading into next season.”
Sporting Director Joe Savage said: “It’s a real sign of intent ahead of another big season to get an established senior player like Beni to commit his future to the club.
“The impact he’s made since coming here has been huge, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room too, so we’re delighted he’s staying.
“It’s been a successful season and we want to build upon that for our next campaign. Keeping Beni is part of that and our supporters can rest assured that we’re working hard in the background to ensure that 2024/25 is another memorable campaign for Heart of Midlothian Football Club.”
