Claudio Braga, the forward who has quickly become a fan favourite at Hearts, recently opened up about his future ambitions, emphasizing that "every player has goals". After a breakthrough debut season at Tynecastle that earned him the PFA Scotland Player of the Year accolade, the 26‑year‑old Portuguese striker remains firmly focused on the campaign that lies ahead for the Jambos.
Speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of Hearts' opening fixture against Aberdeen, Braga explained that, as a professional, he tries not to let external speculation distract him. "I feel that as a professional you can't let rumours or worries pull you away from the job at hand," he said. "I try my best to tune out any noise and keep my mind on the pitch." He added that discussions about his next move are being handled by his representatives, but he is not actively pursuing a transfer unless a truly compelling offer emerges.
"I don't want to be involved in any negotiations unless something concrete is on the table," he clarified. "Of course every player dreams of something bigger, but I have a contract with Heart of Midlothian and I would only consider a move if it benefits both me and the club." Braga's performance last season helped Hearts mount a serious title challenge that ultimately fell short on the final day with a heartbreaking loss at Celtic Park. That near‑miss has left a lingering hunger within the squad, and Braga is determined not to relive that disappointment. "The hunger is definitely stronger now because we came so close to the title and lost it at the end," he admitted.
"You don't want to feel that frustration again." He acknowledged that the road ahead will be tough. "Nobody says it will be easy, and the odds may not always be in our favour," he said. "We have a lot of changes – new coaches, new signings, a different style of play – and it will take time for everything to click. But once we get there, I believe we will be a strong side." New head coach Wouter Vrancken, who took over after Derek McInnes departed for Rangers, has been clear about his expectations.
In his first press conference, the Belgian urged the players to put the previous season's disappointment behind them and concentrate on the upcoming challenges. "In sport you always have to look forward and invest your energy in what lies ahead," Vrancken told Sky Sports News. He reflected on his own experience of missing a title in the dying minutes of a season, noting that athletes must learn to move past the emotional sting and refocus on future objectives. Hearts travel to Aberdeen for their season opener on Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The team is eager to secure a win at Pittodrie – their first there since 2016 – and Vrancken believes confidence will be key. "We have a good chance if we play with belief," the 47‑year‑old manager said. "When we display the quality we possess and do it together, we can break the pattern of away defeats." He also highlighted the extensive preparation the coaching staff has undertaken.
"We have analysed Aberdeen thoroughly. I watched a lot of their games during last year's preparation, so we know what to expect," Vrancken explained. "It won't be an easy game, especially away from home, so we must be fully prepared." The summer transfer window has seen several high‑profile departures from Tynecastle, most notably captain Lawrence Shankland and midfielder Cammy Devlin, both of whom opted to join Rangers.
In contrast, the club has welcomed ten new signings, and loan players Stuart Findlay and Rogers Mato have secured permanent deals. When asked about the squad turnover, Vrancken said his focus remains on the players currently at his disposal.
"My job is to invest my energy in the people we have now and the things I can control," he said. "The ins and outs of the transfer market are unpredictable – you never know what will happen in a window – and that's part of football.
I don't waste energy worrying about it." Overall, both Braga and Vrancken convey a shared message: the past is behind them, and the priority is to channel ambition and preparation into tangible results on the field. With a refreshed roster, a clear tactical vision, and a collective desire to avoid the heartbreak of last season, Hearts are poised to embark on a new chapter in the Scottish Premiership. The upcoming clash with Aberdeen will be the first test of that resolve, and supporters will be watching closely to see if the Jambos can translate their renewed hunger into a winning start.