Hearts set transfer exit date for star as replacement arrives at Tynecastle after 'crazy few months'

The 6ft 6in shot-stopper has joined Wouter Vrancken’s side on a contract until 2029 after four years in Belgium at Beveren. He helped them secure a return to the top flight of Belgian football last season but was out of contract amid reported interest from Germany and Spain. Reus has now opted for Tynecastle as his next step ahead of their Champions League second round qualifier ties versus Sturm Graz. Hearts face Rayo Vallecano in a friendly on Friday night at Tynecastle and Reus is their latest signing this summer after Josh McPake, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Tom Renaud, MJ Kamson-Kamara, Amadou Ba-Sy, Calvin Miller, Sabri Guendouz and youngster Cormac Daly.

He wrote on social media: “Where should I start? First of all I want to thank everyone in SK Beveren, from the fans, board and team mates to the support at home. What a four years it has been. I think we reached all the goals that we had and I wish you all the best in the next season. It’s been a crazy last few months where Heart of Midlothian give me such a good feeling and I am exited to give my all for the club. We will see each other very soon.”

Why have Hearts signed a new goalkeeper?

Craig Gordon has retired from football this week and Liam McFarlane has been loaned to Partick Thistle in a busy week between the sticks in Gorgie. Schwolow joined Hearts from Union Berlin last summer in his first move outside of his native Germany but he now returns at top flight level with Mainz 05. He will still be available for Hearts for the remainder of this month ahead of European battles in Austria and at Tynecastle across July 21 and July 28.

A Hearts statement reads: “Heart of Midlothian can confirm that Alexander Schwolow will depart the club to join FSV Mainz 05. The goalkeeper will make the move to the Bundesliga side on August 1st on undisclosed terms, but until then remains available for first-team selection. Alex was an August 2025 arrival at Tynecastle Park and would go on to make 33 appearances, helping the Jambos to a second-place finish and securing a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.

“Though a much-valued member of the squad, a move closer to home was Alex’s preference and given the arrival of new goalkeeper Beau Reus, the club agreed to grant his request. Everyone at Hearts thanks Alex for his time at the club and wishes he and his family the best of luck back in Germany when the time comes.”

Why has Alexander Schwolow left Hearts?

Schwolow said of his move to Mainz: “Mainz 05 stands for togetherness, passion and a very clear way of playing football. That mentality suits me well. After my exciting time in Scotland, I wanted to take on another new challenge in the Bundesliga, and at Mainz I immediately had the feeling that it was a very good fit, both personally and in sporting terms.

“The talks with the club’s management were very open, clear and appreciative from the very first moment. They gave me a very good feeling and made it clear what they are planning with the team. I’m also really looking forward to experiencing the fantastic Mainz fans and fighting for every point together with them.”