Daniel Arzani has refused to rule out a return to the Scottish Premiership, with the Australia international linked with a move to Hearts following the expiry of his contract at Melbourne Victory.
Reports last week suggested that new Tynecastle boss Derek McInnes is eyeing up a deal for the former Celtic winger as he looks to strengthen out wide ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Arzani, now 25, is assessing his options carefully with the World Cup on the horizon.
Speaking to the media, the former Hoops loanee admitted that regular first-team football will be a key factor in his decision.
“I think anyone now, any of the boys that are looking to move or are off contract, I think that thought process will be in their head,” he said. “It’s a big deal, the World Cup. It’s massive. Everyone wants to be a part of it. It’s going to be very competitive.
“We know we’ve got a lot of talent coming out of Australia, so I think it’s definitely important that if I go somewhere that I’ll be playing week in, week out.
“I’m not sure what I’m doing yet, what direction I’m heading in, but that’s definitely part of the equation. It’s something that I’ll consider for sure.”
Australia international Daniel Arzani asked about his future amid links with Hearts.
Out of contract at Melbourne Victory, the former Manchester City attacker said he hasn’t decided anything when discussing his next move with World Cup looming. pic.twitter.com/gOjuFDBmqf
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) June 8, 2025
Arzani’s first spell in Scotland came back in 2018, when he joined Celtic on a two-year loan from Manchester City. But just minutes into his debut, he suffered a serious knee injury that effectively ended his time in Glasgow before it could begin.
A return to Scotland under a new manager and with a point to prove could offer Arzani the platform he needs. And with Hearts aiming to make a statement in McInnes’ first season, it’s a move that would carry plenty of intrigue.
Plenty of Celtic fans will be watching with a keen eye, just incase he does make the move to the SPFL.
