SPFL side Hearts have joined the race for 22-year-old defensive midfielder Malachi Boateng from Premier League Crystal Palace. However, they face competition from League One duo Stevenage and Exeter City as well as Italian side Pisa, according to reports. 

The youngster and brother of Mansfield Town’s Hiram Boateng progressed through the ranks at Crystal Palace but has yet to make a senior appearance for the Premier League side. He has starred in the club’s youth set up in both the Under-21s and Under 18s.

He has embarked on two loan spells, to Queens Park in 2022/23 and Dundee FC in 2023/24 making 41 and 36 appearances respectively.

Now, according to Alan Nixon, Hearts have joined the race to secure his signature on loan with competition from Stevenage, Exeter and Pisa.

The post reads:

“Hearts are making a late bid to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Malachy Boateng.”

“The SPFL club have stepped in for Boateng who had previous spells in Scotland with Queen’s Park and Dundee.”

“Hearts are in with a strong chance but face opposition from Stevenage, Exeter City and even Italian side Pisa.”

Where next for Boateng?

This leaves an interesting dilemma for the talented youngster, whether to remain in Scotland and test himself at a bigger club or try and prove his worth in English football, hoping to impress his parent club. He may also be tempted by a season in Italy, which could make him a more attractive proposition to clubs across Europe later in his career.

At 22 years old we are approaching the period that Premier League clubs begin to make decisions on their youngsters, so this will be a big season where he will be playing for a new deal and a place in the squad. Whether he is best suited to do that in England, Scotland or Italy is open to interpretation, but this is the stage of his career that will likely lay a path for at least the next few years.