Ciaran Morrison

Fri 17 April 2026 17:45, UK

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Hearts investor and Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom could have a major say in the destination of Claudio Braga this summer.

That is the view of former Aberdeen and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, as Braga could be available for £5million this summer.

The 26-year-old was signed by Hearts for just £500,000 last summer, and has become a key figure in the Edinburgh club’s unlikely charge towards the Scottish Premiership title.

Braga will be among the players pursued by rival clubs this summer amid his fine season at Tynecastle, including Celtic and Rangers.

Hearts have no desire to let Braga leave the club, but could be forced into a sale if their valuation of the forward is met.

Hearts fans ‘much happier’ with Claudio Braga making Brighton move

Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Bloom will be planning to bring talent down from Hearts to Brighton.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness states that Crystal Palace are also interested in Braga.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Interesting isn’t it how Tony Bloom’s got his place in Hearts, and he might be thinking for Brighton, ‘Braga can come down, and I could make some money out of this’.

“This is exactly the plan that Tony Bloom had with investing in Scotland, was to try and use it to bring up some talent. Braga is certainly a talent, and he could well make it down there.

“I’ve also heard Palace are interested. So the two rivals, Palace and Brighton. That could be an interesting move for that sort of price. If he came down about five to six million, they would take a risk at that sort of level on a player like Braga.

“Palace have got a great history of getting talent to come through as well and do it, as have Brighton. So that’s not beyond the realms of possibility. That’s more likely than going to Celtic or Rangers. The Hearts fans would be much happier if somebody were to go to England rather than to the ugly stepsisters.

“That’s the way that I think it would go if he was to go anywhere. Bloom understands that, and he would have a say in that and may well make sure that that would be the case.”

Brighton target second Scottish Premiership star

Bloom could continue to raid Scottish football, as former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that Brighton are interested in Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren.

The Seagulls will face competition from Bournemouth, as Nygren looks to take the next step in his career after just one season at Celtic.

Celtic have no plans to let Nygren leave, and would like to focus on strengthening their squad this summer rather than weaken it.

The 24-year-old’s goal-scoring record at the Hoops though mean they will receive offers for Nygren, and could be forced to accept any big bids.