Heart of Midlothian Academy graduate Aidan Denholm has signed a new contract.
The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at Tynecastle Park until the summer of 2026.
A dynamic midfielder, Aidan caught the eye with his combative displays in the middle of the park for Hearts’ B Team last season, which earned him a loan move to East Fife.
With senior appearances under his belt, he returned to Gorgie and, in May, extended his contract by a year.
Aidan made an impression on the coaching staff during pre-season and began featuring in matchday squads. A substitute appearance against Rosenborg on Norwegian soil in Europa Conference League qualifying followed, before a cinch Premiership debut three days later when Kilmarnock came to town.
He won plaudits for his mature performance when handed a starting berth in the return leg against Rosenborg as the Jambos completed a stunning comeback win to advance to the competition’s play-off round.
With seven top team appearances to date, his future now lies firmly at Tynecastle and Head Coach Steven Naismith hopes that Aidan will continue to kick on in maroon.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Steven said: “We’ve been really happy with Aidan’s development since we came in.
“I worked closely with him during our time together in the B Team and his potential was evident. What he’s done since is worked hard and learned from the coaches and his teammates and that, together with his talent, has got him to this point.
“It’s been a big few months for Aidan and, knowing his character, he’ll strive to improve week by week to be as successful as he can be at Hearts.”
Sporting Director Joe Savage said; “We’re delighted to get Aidan’s future sorted out.
“From speaking to the coaching staff it’s clear that Aidan’s made a big impression since coming into the first-team picture so he’s thoroughly earned this new deal.
“The work to build a pathway from Academy to first-team never stops but Aidan is proof that the opportunities are there for those that really want it.
“New contracts are high on the agenda and with Aidan’s and Cammy’s option being taken up last week it shows that we’re on the right track.”
