Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken has insisted that in-demand striker Claudio Braga is fully focused on the club's upcoming Champions League campaign, despite reported interest from French giants Lyon. Speaking from Spain, where Hearts are preparing for their first qualifying round, Vrancken stated that Braga remains in his plans as long as no concrete offer arrives.
Vrancken dismisses Lyon rumours
Reports have linked Braga with a big-money move to Lyon this summer, but Vrancken downplayed the speculation. 'I don't know. I don't hear it. I didn't hear it until now that there's really concrete interest,' he said. 'As long as he's here, I treat him like he can start the game. I put my energy in the guys who are here. At this moment, Claudio is here. Mentally and physically, he's also ready to perform.'
Hearts are set to begin their Champions League journey with an away tie against Sturm Graz in two weeks. Vrancken acknowledged that the transfer window could change things quickly, but he sees it as an opportunity for Braga to showcase his talents on a bigger stage.
Transfer model and squad size
The Belgian coach noted that selling players is part of football's economic model. 'It can also be a good thing to show himself again,' he said. 'I think for him it can also be a window when he wants to make the transfer. At the same time, when you're a coach, you rather have your good players staying with you. But it's also the model, of course. Not the model in Hearts, but the model in every team. For example, also in Belgium, to make players better so they can make the next step to a big league and get the money for it, the transfer value for it. That's also to stay healthy as a club, I think.'
Hearts travelled to Spain with a squad of 30 players, but several are still recovering from injuries, and midfielder Cammy Devlin's contract situation remains unresolved. Vrancken expressed a preference for a leaner squad, ideally 26 or 27 players including goalkeepers. 'Yeah. I think it's best that you go like 26, 27 in total with the goalkeepers in. I think that would be perfect. But like I said, it's difficult to make an evaluation at 45 minutes already (which is the amount of playing time most players got in Spain).'
Braga's role in Champions League campaign
With the Champions League qualifiers looming, Vrancken's comments suggest Braga will play a key role if he remains at the club. The striker's readiness, both mentally and physically, has been affirmed by his coach, who is focused on the players currently available. As the transfer window progresses, Hearts fans will be watching closely to see if Braga stays to lead the line in Europe or departs for a new challenge.
