Kenneth Vargas has admitted he could leave Hearts in January.
The Costa Rican forward wants to play against higher calibre opponents and has revealed that there is a clause in his contract that will allow him to depart Tynecastle if any interested parties are willing to meet the release fee. Vargas, who initially joined on loan from CS Herediano in Summer 2023, made the move permanent last summer, penning a five-year deal with the Jambos.
But now, speaking while on international duty, the 22-year-old as revealed he’s always on the lookout for better options and that he could be on the way out of Gorgie when the transfer window opens in a few weeks’ time. Record Sport understands that Hearts will discuss the matter with Vargas upon his return to Edinburgh. Despite starting regularly under new boss Neil Critchley, Vargas has come in for criticism this season as a habit of missing big chances continues. He spurned gilt-edged opportunities in defeats to Aberdeen and Rangers, with fans tearing their hair out at a continued lack of composure in front of goal.
“Yes, it’s no secret, Hearts is a great place, it’s a great team, but one always looks for better options, the ability to show oneself and compete,” he said. “I would like to go somewhere else where I can have a better place and compete more. I don’t want my words to be misinterpreted, but I want more friction, to play against better-level players.
“There’s a possibility that I could leave in January, it does not depend on me, there is a clause, if a team comes and pays, I am the one who has the final say, but these things are not in my hands. The clause is there. I have no problem negotiating. I still have a while left, until 2029, but from what I have been told there are clubs interested, there is a possibility that I could leave”