Hearts have lost talents to Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City this year.
18-year-old centre-back Alfie Osborne has officially left Hearts for Chelsea, it’s been confirmed, as Manchester City hail another exiting Jambos talent.
Osborne joins the Premier League club on a four-year deal after captaining the Jambos to Youth Cup glory last season. The Evening Newsreported last month that Hearts are set to receive a six-figure compensation fee for the development of the 6ft 4in Scotland youth internationalist in their youth system. Tynecastle chiefs were keen to see the teenager sign a new contract but there were multiple offers from clubs in Britain and Europe.
Moving from midfield to defence, Osborne agreed to sign for Chelsea, and will remain at the Premier League side until 2030. FIFA rules mean the Gorgie club are entitled to training compensation but that will not be a huge sum.
Who have Chelsea signed from Hearts?
A Chelsea statement reads: “Chelsea Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Alfie Osborne, with the 18-year-old putting pen to paper on a contract with the Blues until 2030. The teenager joins the club from Scottish side Hearts, where he won their B team’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards for 2025/26.
“After switching from midfield to centre-back last season, Osborne captained Hearts’ Under-18s side to glory in the Scottish FA Youth Cup final. He also played 28 times for Hearts B in the Lowland Football League, the fifth tier of senior football in Scotland. Osborne has represented Scotland several times at youth level, most recently captaining his country in qualifying for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Welcome to Chelsea, Alfie!”
Another talent to have swapped Hearts for academy football in England this year is Keir McMeekin. The midfielder emerged as one of the brightest prospects coming out of the academy but has now signed his scholarship with the Etihad side who have hailed his confident playing style.
Keir McMeekin during a Heart of Midlothian training session at the Oriamplaceholder image
Keir McMeekin during a Heart of Midlothian training session at the Oriam | SNS Group
Manchester City on Keir McMeekin
They state: “12 Academy prospects have signed their scholarships with Manchester City ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Tireni Aiyegbusi, Marlow Barrett, Caelan Cadamarteri, Theo Carrington, Toran Mathiesen, Xavier Parker, Jaxon Shire, Archie Thornton, Alfie Turley, Javahn Woode, Keir McMeekin and Darren Motsi make up the latest cohort to pen full-time agreements.
“The scholarship means they are now on full-time schedules with City and will be working with Lauris Coggin and the Under-18s throughout the 2026/27 campaign. Keir McMeekin joined City from Hearts at 16 years old and the number 10 brings confident link-up play, composure in small pockets and impressive technical ability. Everyone at Manchester City would like to congratulate all the players on a special moment and step in their careers. We wish them all the very best of luck as they continue their journey towards senior football.”