Full Breakdown
Hearts Overhaul Goalkeeping Roster Ahead of New Season
7/18/2026, 1:13:54 PM
Core Changes at Tynecastle
Heart of Midlothian confirmed that German goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow will leave the club for Mainz 05 on 1 August. On the same day the club announced the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Beau Reus on a three-year contract, pending international clearance and Scottish FA approval.
Background & Recent Context
The departures come after Craig Gordon announced his retirement at age 43, ending a 24-year career. Schwolow was the Jambos’ first-choice keeper for the 2023-24 season, helping Hearts finish runners-up in the Scottish Premiership and secure a Champions League qualifying spot. The club will therefore enter the second-round qualifier against Sturm Graz with Schwolow still eligible to play until his transfer is completed.
Key Figures
- Alexander Schwolow (34) – previously with Freiburg, Hertha Berlin, Schalke and Union Berlin; made 33 appearances for Hearts, keeping 15 clean sheets.
- Beau Reus (24) – 6 ft 6 in tall, product of the AZ academy, spent four seasons as Beveren’s No.1, amassing more than 120 appearances and 48 shutouts in 126 games.
- Wouter Vrancken – Hearts’ head coach, who previously worked with Reus at Beveren.
- Craig Gordon – club legend whose retirement opened the number-one shirt.
Data & Statistics
- Schwolow: 33 league games, 15 clean sheets, 27 goals conceded.
- Reus: 6 ft 6 in, 48 shutouts in 126 Belgian matches, conceded 23 goals in the title-winning Challenger Pro League campaign.
- Beveren won the Belgian second division unbeaten in 2024-25, a season in which Reus kept the league’s best goals-against record.
Official Statements & Responses
Hearts said the German keeper “will make the move to the Bundesliga side on 1 August on undisclosed terms, but until then remains available for first-team selection.” The club also noted that Schwolow’s departure “was a move closer to home” and that the arrival of Reus “adds competition for the number-one shirt.” Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert praised Schwolow’s experience, while the club’s statement highlighted Reus joining as a “towering Dutchman” who will wear the No. 1 jersey previously worn by Gordon.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting commentary was reported in the available sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The financial terms of Schwolow’s transfer are described as “undisclosed” in some sources, while others simply note “undisclosed terms.” Reus’s contract length is consistently reported as three years, but the exact start date awaits clearance confirmation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With Alexander Schwolow, we got exactly the goalkeeping profile we were looking for. He is a fitting character and team player and has just played an outstanding season with Heart of Midlothian. Alex knows the Bundesliga inside and out through his more than 200 Bundesliga games and will not need a settling-in time because he grew up just a few kilometers away from Mainz.” — Niko Bungert, Mainz 05 sporting director
- “Mainz 05 stands for cohesion, passion, and a very clear way of playing football. This mentality is a good fit for me. After my exciting time in Scotland, I wanted to take on a new challenge in the Bundesliga and at Mainz I had the feeling that it fits very well humanly and athletically.” — Alexander Schwolow, player interview
- “? He said: “We had a great season last year, the last four years were nice, but this is a step higher up now and I’m very happy to be here.” — Beau Reus, player statement
- “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.” — Heart of Midlothian official statement
- “much-valued member of the squad” — Heart of Midlothian description of Schwolow
What’s Next
Schwolow remains eligible for the upcoming Champions League qualifier against Sturm Graz before his transfer finalises. Reus will become eligible for selection once international clearance and Scottish FA approval are secured, positioning him to compete for the starting role in the 2024-25 season.
