Hearts are set to lose another highly-rated academy prospect, with Alfie Osborne closing in on a move to Chelsea.
The 17-year-old has completed a medical and agreed a long-term deal that will take him from Tynecastle to Stamford Bridge. Osborne enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning Hearts’ B team Player of the Year award and captaining Scotland Under-19s, primarily featuring at centre-back but also capable of stepping into midfield.
The Hearts Standard reports that Osborne had attracted widespread interest across Europe following his performances, with clubs in France and Italy monitoring his progress alongside strong attention from England.
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He captained Hearts to their first Scottish Youth Cup triumph in 26 years and made 32 appearances for the B team across the Lowland League and Challenge Cup last season. His form also earned him a place in a first-team matchday squad, though he did not make the bench.
Hearts attempted to retain the defender, but Chelsea have won the race for his signature, with the Edinburgh club set to receive training compensation.
Osborne’s exit continues a trend of academy departures, with Keir McMeekin joining Manchester City and Boyd Fraser agreeing a move to Nottingham Forest, with compensation fees agreed in both cases.
