Key Points
- Marc Leonard, 24-year-old midfielder from Birmingham City, has agreed terms on a loan move to Hearts until the end of the season.
- Leonard is undergoing a medical with Hearts on Friday ahead of their Celtic clash.
- The deal is a straight loan with no option to buy, aimed at bolstering Hearts’ midfield after Cammy Devlin’s injury.
- Hearts, Scottish Premiership leaders under Derek McInnes, also recently lost striker Lawrence Shankland to injury.
- Leonard, a former Hearts youth player, could be available for Sunday’s title-deciding match against Celtic at Tynecastle.
Edinburgh (Birmingham Express) January 23, 2026 – Midfielder Marc Leonard is on the verge of leaving Birmingham City for a season-long loan to Hearts after agreeing terms, with a medical underway on Friday.
The 24-year-old, previously developed in Hearts’ youth system, represents a swift replacement for injured midfielder Cammy Devlin, who has started every league game this season. Hearts, leading the Scottish Premiership, acted quickly to maintain squad depth amid a congested fixture list including a pivotal clash with Celtic.
What Has Been Agreed in Marc Leonard’s Transfer to Hearts?
Football Insider reports that Marc Leonard finalised terms for a straight loan move from Birmingham City to Hearts, excluding any option to buy. The deal runs until the end of the 2025-26 season, positioning the former Brighton academy product for an immediate return to Tynecastle. Sources close to the negotiations confirmed the agreement, highlighting Hearts’ urgency following Devlin’s injury.
As reported by Football Insider, Leonard’s medical examination is scheduled for Friday, paving the way for his potential involvement in Sunday’s high-stakes encounter against Celtic. This fixture could influence the title race, with Celtic and Rangers trailing Hearts at the table’s summit.
Why Is Hearts Pursuing Marc Leonard Now?
Hearts’ midfield has been depleted by Cammy Devlin’s absence, a significant loss given his role as an ever-present starter in the league campaign. The club, managed by Derek McInnes, sits atop the Scottish Premiership, but injuries threaten their momentum in the second half of the season. AOL reports confirm the loan agreement between Birmingham and Hearts, noting Leonard’s history as a Hearts youth product.
How Do Recent Injuries Impact Hearts’ Squad?
Lawrence Shankland’s injury earlier this week compounds the issue, with the striker potentially sidelined for up to eight league games, including derbies and tests against Dundee United and Aberdeen. Hearts responded decisively by securing Shankland’s replacement previously and now targeting Leonard to fill the midfield void. Devlin’s injury disrupts a key partnership that underpinned their strong first half.
What Does This Mean for Hearts’ Title Challenge?
With Celtic visiting Tynecastle on Sunday, Leonard’s timely arrival could prove crucial in a match that may define the Premiership race. Hearts lead the table, but rivals Celtic, under Martin O’Neill, aim to close a potential three-point gap with victory. Birmingham City, meanwhile, allow the loan to provide Leonard with competitive minutes in a title-contending side.
The move underscores Hearts’ proactive transfer strategy amid injuries, ensuring midfield resilience for upcoming fixtures. Football Insider details how Leonard bolsters options as Hearts defend their position against hot pursuits from Celtic and Rangers.
