Ally McCoist smiles as Rangers manager Derek McInnes points in a circular inset.

McCoist has weighed in on Hearts' latest deal.Imago

Ally McCoist sends message as Hearts agree unexpected Rangers transfer

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at Football League World and Burton Albion FC; Derby University graduate. FOCUS Transfer coverage and behind-the-scenes insight across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed transfer reporting. He provides the depth behind the deals to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

27 Jul 2026, 8:21 am

Hearts have completed the signing of promising young Rangers talent Carson McGauley.

The 16-year-old has left Ibrox after 10 years at his boyhood club, and has instead chosen to sign his first professional contract at Tynecastle.

McGauley helped his Rangers U17 side to claim the CAS Elite league title for their age group last season, but has now moved on to a new challenge.

The youngster will turn out for Hearts in their U19 age group next season, according to The Talent Hunter via X, and is viewed as a huge talent for the future.

Hearts and Rangers have been closely linked with their transfer dealings after Derek McInnes' managerial move.

Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin have both headed to Ibrox to link up with their former boss, but now Hearts have got their own back to some extent.

Ally McCoist's message to Carson McGauley

Hearts confirmed on Sunday that McGauley has been handed a professional deal, as he is viewed as one of their most promising young talents.

The Edinburgh outfit are pushing to challenge the Old Firm under Tony Bloom's guidance, and are keen to ensure that they build for the future.

After 10 years at Rangers, 16 year-old defender Carson McGauley has completed a move to Hearts.👀✍️

McGauley was one of the standout players in the Rangers side that won the CAS Elite U17’s League a couple of months ago.🌟

He has signed his first professional contract with… pic.twitter.com/H7sQGYCcHB
— The Talent Hunter 🎯 (@TalentHunter) July 26, 2026

McGauley took to Instagram to share his pride at penning his first professional deal, alongside a statement on his Rangers exit from earlier in July.

In that post, the centre-back thanked "everyone at Rangers" for the "guidance and belief" in his journey, as well as thanking his teammates for the "unforgettable moments" they had shared.

View this post on Instagram

Rangers legend Ally McCoist reacted to that post in the comments section, as he simply wrote: "Best of luck wee man. You go for it," followed by emojis of a thumbs up and a salute.

'Rangers of the south' - Keith Wyness shares verdict as second man set to move from Ibrox to West Ham

Rangers could be about to lose second man to West Ham

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider last week that "Rangers of the south" is being built at West Ham, as they are currently linked with a move for the former Ibrox chief financial officer James Taylor.

The finance expert departed the Glasgow giants by mutual agreement at the start of July, and strong links have since emerged over a move to the London Stadium.

West Ham currently have former Rangers chief Karim Virani in as their interim chief executive, and he previously worked with Taylor at Ibrox.

The latter could potentially now follow the former down to East London, as West Ham look to strengthen their hand behind the scenes.

Heart of Midlothian Football Club