Cammy Devlin exit is bad news for Celtic, it could cost the club millions - verdict
Hearts announced the exit of star man Cammy Devlin on Friday after the midfielder’s contract expired at Tynecastle.
The Jambos Fans’ Player of the Season is yet another big name to leave the club, with Lawrence Shankland and Derek McInnes both departing for Rangers earlier this summer.
On the face of it, this is great news for Celtic, with their biggest title rivals from the last campaign becoming considerably weaker.
However, this could now have a knock-on effect for the rest of the Scottish Premiership as Hearts prepare for the Champions League.
Multiple sides will have been hoping that the Jambos can have a successful campaign in Europe next season in order to boost Scotland’s coefficient rankings.
Yet, with Hearts getting considerably weaker, this now looks like a tough task.
Hearts continue to be dismantled this summer
Hearts were unlucky not to win the Scottish Premiership last season, and were literally a game away from lifting the title.
However, a consolation prize was their qualification into the Champions League, with the club set to play Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round.
Progression against the Austrian side was always a tough ask, but now it seems inevitable that they will be knocked out.
This would be disastrous for Scotland, as it would damage the nation’s coefficient rankings, which have already taken a massive hit in recent years.
Dropping further down the rankings could see Scotland lose its playoff place for winning the league.
As a result, this could cost Celtic millions as it would be substantially tougher for the club to reach the Champions League’s league phase.
Therefore, it would be in the Hoops’ best interests for Hearts to maintain a good squad this season so that they can progress further in Europe.
What is Scotland’s current coefficient ranking?
As it stands, Scotland are ranked 19th in the coefficient rankings and have recently dropped by one place.
As a result, only four teams will qualify for Europe next season, and only one side will qualify for the Champions League.
On top of this, winning the Scottish Cup is even more important, as it is the only way to guarantee at least Europa League football.
However, it remains to be seen if Scotland’s club can perform in Europe this season to regain their second Champions League spot.