Cammy Devlin joins Rangers: Why Hearts let him go and what it means

Cammy Devlin’s move to Rangers ends a five-year chapter at Hearts and hands Derek McInnes a midfielder he already trusts. The Australian’s arrival at Ibrox reunites him with the manager who first handed him the Tynecastle captaincy, while also following Lawrence Shankland’s summer switch from the same club. With five signings completed before the Premiership curtain rises, Rangers are reshaping McInnes’ squad in his own image—and Hearts are left searching for replacements.

Why Hearts released Devlin

Devlin’s departure stems from a contract impasse at Hearts. After 150+ appearances and a 2025-26 points high under McInnes, the club could not agree terms on a new deal. The midfielder’s five-year tenure ended without the security of an extension, leaving Tynecastle to recoup value rather than lose him for nothing. Hearts’ summer exodus continues a pattern: Shankland exited for Ibrox on a free, and now Devlin follows on a two-year deal with an extra year option. The Edinburgh side’s transfer strategy appears geared toward youth and budget control, even as they push Celtic close in the title race.

What Rangers gain from the deal

McInnes gains a midfielder who delivered consistent output in the Scottish top flight. Devlin’s familiarity with the league and his manager removes adaptation time, a luxury in a squad undergoing rapid rebuild. The signing slots into a reshaped engine room alongside Ross McCrorie, who became McInnes’ first Rangers recruit earlier this summer. With five arrivals already processed, McInnes is assembling a squad that reflects his demands for steel and technical reliability. Devlin’s experience in tight domestic duels—evidenced by Hearts’ 2025-26 title push—should steady Rangers’ midfield as they chase a swift return to contention.

Squad overhaul and McInnes’ next steps

Rangers’ transfer activity suggests McInnes is prioritising positional upgrades across the pitch. The manager’s public stance—”I belong at Rangers”—underlines his commitment to rebuilding the club in his image recently reiterated. Yet the summer has not been without turbulence: McInnes faces a touchline ban that could complicate early-season planning reported here. Devlin’s integration will be tested quickly, with Premiership football resuming and European qualifiers looming. How the Australian slots between McCrorie and the incoming midfield targets—Jens Hjertø-Dahl and Vanja Dragojevic—will shape Rangers’ midfield dynamics before the August deadline.

For Hearts, Devlin’s exit is a blow to squad depth and leadership. The club’s ability to replace his output while maintaining a title-challenging XI will define their 2026-27 trajectory. Rangers, meanwhile, have added a proven Premiership operator to a squad in flux. McInnes’ project now hinges on blending Devlin’s experience with the fresh legs arriving at Ibrox—all while navigating the logistical hurdles of his own impending ban. The transfer window still has weeks to run, but Devlin’s move is the clearest signal yet that McInnes is building a team built for the long term.