Exclusive: Hearts working on deal to sign French star to replace Lawrence Shankland
Hearts are exploring a move for French forward Amadou Ba-Sy before the close of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Scottish Premiership leaders are in the market for attacking reinforcements after losing captain and star striker Lawrence Shankland to injury.
Ba-Sy, 24, is currently plying his trade at French third tier side FC Rouen 1899 and he has impressed this season with three goals and three assists in 12 appearances.
The versatile attacker is in the final six months of his contract and Hearts are hoping to lure him to Scotland to boost their title bid.
Hearts are expected to complete the signing of Rogers Mato in the coming days, after a deal was agreed with North Macedonian club Vardar.
Who is Amadou Ba-Sy?
Ba-Sy has spent much of his career playing through the middle, but the Frenchman can also appear on the left of the attack.
The Nice-born talent came through the academy in his city’s club, spending five years in the OGC Nice youth teams before leaving in 2020.
The forward signed a one-year deal with third-division side GFC Ajaccio in 2021 but would leave for USL Dunkerque at the end of his contract, despite scoring 10 goals.
There, Ba-Sy spent a strong 18 months and saw his side promoted, before he was signed by Liga Portugal side Vizela, and later Coimbra on loan, before joining Rouen 1899 in July last year.
Tall and strong, but with quick feet, the forward has attracted eyes for his performances in the Championnat National this season.
Hearts attempt to strengthen title hopes
Shankland is expected to be missing for Hearts until March, in what is undoubtedly a huge blow for Derek McInnes‘ side.
The 30-year-old has scored 15 goals across all competitions so far this season, and will be a difficult presence to replace.
| Lawrence Shankland | Scottish Premiership 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 21 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Chances created | 27 |
| Successful dribbles | 12 |
| Duels won | 69 |
The Jam Tarts retain a strong position in the Scottish Premiership, but are expected to come under increased pressure in the coming weeks.
Rangers have won eight consecutive games across all competitions, and will play Hearts in February in what is expected to be a six-pointer for the title.
With little room to falter remaining, transfer chiefs at Tynecastle Park must be prepared to do whatever is possible in the days remaining of the transfer window.