Hearts Likely To Miss Out On League One Playmaker

SPFL side Hearts are reportedly likely to miss out on the permanent signing of Charlton Athletic playmaker Scott Fraser this summer.

The 29-year-old spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign with the Scottish side after struggling to hold down a regular first-team spot under Nathan Jones’ side, but now any hopes of him returning to Scotland are under threat.

He is therefore expected to undergo pre-season training with Charlton Athletic this summer, whilst waiting to learn where his future lies for the 2024/25 campaign.

How did Fraser fare last season?

The midfielder began the 2023/24 campaign with Charlton Athletic, making 22 appearances in all competitions during the first half of the season, scoring once and providing five assists.

However, the majority of his League One appearances arrived off the bench and he was subsequently loaned out to Hearts for the remainder of the SPFL season.

Back in Scotland, Fraser made 11 further appearances for Hearts, providing two assists in the process as the football club ended the 2023/24 SPFL season in third place, 12 points ahead of Kilmarnock but 17 points behind Rangers.

What barrier is currently affecting Hearts?

According to journalist Richard Cawley, the midfielder is expected to report back for pre-season training with the League One side this summer.

However, cold water has appeared to have been poured on any potential move back to Scotland due to the player’s current wage, with sides unable to afford to match what he is currently being paid in League One.

Cawley confirms that Fraser is likely to be deemed surplus to requirements at Charlton Athletic but if he wants to return to Scotland, his wages would have to drop to ensure all parties involved in a future deal could agree terms.

Although, he does confirm that Charlton are likely to want to sell Fraser this summer rather than send him out on loan again.