Walsall midfielder McEntee joins Hearts
Oisin McEntee scored six goals during his three-year stay with Walsall
- Published
Walsall defensive midfielder Oisin McEntee has agreed to join Scottish Premiership side Hearts on a three-year deal.
Republic of Ireland under-21 international McEntee, 24, has made 79 appearances for the Saddlers across three seasons since joining from Newcastle United in 2022.
He was part of a Walsall side that led League Two for much of the past season but dropped off in the run-in and ended up losing the play-off final to AFC Wimbledon.
McEntee, who played in the Scottish Championship with Morton in 2021-22 during a loan spell from Newcastle, will join the Tynecastle side on a free transfer when his Walsall deal expires this summer.
"It became clear in our conversations Oisin is hungry, he wants to learn and improve, and be part of what we're trying to do here at Hearts," said new Hearts boss Derek McInnes.
"He's played in defence and midfield, so to have options around his positioning is a big plus. Oisin's gained a lot of experience down south and he has knowledge of Scottish football too, which is a bonus."
McEntee is McInnes' third signing following the acquisition of Belgian forward Elton Kabangu and Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis.
Saddlers release four, in talks with nine
McEntee is among a number of out-of-contract players at Walsall, with the club in talks with nine others to extend their stays after the disappointing end to their season.
The Saddlers are in discussions with goalkeeper Sam Hornby, defenders Liam Gordon, Harry Williams and Priestley Farquharson, midfielders Ryan Stirk and Ronan Maher and forwards Albert Adomah, Jamille Matt and Douglas James-Taylor.
They have released four players - goalkeeper George Barrett, defender Donervon Daniels, midfielder Jack Earing and striker Danny Johnson - but have exercised options to extend the contracts of defenders Rico Browne and Evan Weir.
Another eight first-team regulars - Connor Barrett, Jamie Jellis, Josh Gordon, Charlie Lakin, Brandon Comley, Levi Amantchi, Taylor Allen and David Okagbue - remain under contract at the Bescot Stadium.