Hearts star sets record straight on contract 'rumours'

Baningime’s current contract expires at the end of the season and the 27-year-old, who has been an integral part of the Premiership leaders’ team, was quick to set the record straight on speculation that a renewal may not be in the pipeline.

Baningime has made more than 100 appearances for Hearts since joining from Everton in 2021. He admitted that his priority is to help Hearts complete a historic season in the league and stressed “there is no time for individual egos”. He is one of three first-team players out of contract this summer - the other two being centre-half Frankie Kent and midfielder Cammy Devlin.

“I'll be so real with you, I haven't thought about it,” said Baningime when quizzed on his contract situation. “Right now, there's no time for that. There's no time for individual egos and I want this or I want that.

“My agent and the club are in contact and they're speaking. I know there was rumours out there saying they're not offering me a contract. So yeah, I'll just clear that up. We are in contact.”

Baningime penned a fresh two-year contract in 2024 after months of speculation over his future. He is relaxed about the current situation and is focused purely on Hearts’ next match, which is at home to Hibs next week, after a rare defeat on Tuesday night against St Mirren.

“I've been through this before and ultimately, we're in a quest to win the league,” said Baningime. “Last time I think we were third and we finished third. So we were in a good run both times but this is something new for us.

“So there's no thinking about me individually or I need to do this or I need to do that. It's about the team. I think everything sorts itself out.

“It always sorts itself out. It’s not just me - it’s Cammy, it's Frankie. I think that might be it. So there's a few of us. Right now, we don't speak about it. It will get sorted out at one point. But right now I have to think about the next game against Hibs. That's it.”