Sabri Guendouz has revealed that the allure of Champions League football convinced him to join Hearts, turning down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and other European clubs. The 26-year-old French forward completed an £850,000 move from Belgian second-tier side Beerschot last month, beating competition from AZ Alkmaar, clubs in Sweden, Belgium, and the Middle East.
Champions League Decisive Factor
Guendouz was flagged up by Jamestown Analytics and admitted the chance to play in Europe's elite competition was pivotal. He will feature in the qualifiers when Hearts travel to Sturm Graz on July 21. “I had Hearts, AZ Alkmaar, a club in Saudi Arabia, a club in Sweden, a club in Belgium. But when I saw Hearts I said ‘Wow,’” he said. “One year I was not playing much for Guingamp, the next year I came to this club. Every player, when he is young, plays for this kind of opportunity.”
Rapid Rise from French Second Division
Guendouz's journey has been remarkable. Just last year, he struggled for game time at Guingamp in France's second division. Now he is preparing for a Champions League campaign. “Just talking to you now and realising my history, everything is possible when you work hard, have a good team, a good family and positivity,” he added.
Hearts' Title Chase and New Coach
Hearts had tracked Guendouz since early May, and he closely followed their dramatic Premiership title race, which ended in heartbreak. Former coach Derek McInnes, now at Rangers, made the initial pitch, but Guendouz will work under new head coach Wouter Vrancken. “The first contact with Hearts was the start of May. I played in the play-off in the final month. I talked with the old coach, Derek, and Steve [Walker, head of medical],” Guendouz explained. “I watched the games and the end of the season. Hearts were in first place all the season. The interest was very big for me and my small career.”
Familiarity with Vrancken
Guendouz has prior knowledge of Vrancken, having faced his Sint-Truiden team in Belgium last season. Sint-Truiden shocked Belgian football by finishing third, also backed by Jamestown Analytics. “I know the coach because I played in the first league in Belgium. He had a big season. Sint-Truiden finished third, all season they were second. They qualified for Europe. I saw the games, they have good players, a good team. They played good football,” Guendouz said.
Preferred Role and Playing Style
Although signed as a winger, Guendouz expects to play as an attacking midfielder under Vrancken. “I have talked with the coach about my position. He said it is better if I play in the No.10 position. Maybe the 10 is where the team can get the best out of me,” he stated. “I like to dribble, be direct and play offensively. I like to get on the ball. I like to play for the fans and the people who go to the stadium to watch.”
Inspiration from Football Heroes
Guendouz draws inspiration from Ronaldinho, Neymar, and Rayan Cherki. “They help the team, maybe not with a lot of goals and assists but they help the team on the pitch. For me, that is my pleasure. After that, you work hard and try to help the team,” he added.
