Heart of Midlothian have completed the signing of York City defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott on a four-year deal, becoming the club’s fifth addition of the summer.
The 24-year-old centre-back arrives at Tynecastle for a fee understood to be around £700,000, with potential add-ons, after Hearts saw multiple bids knocked back before reaching an agreement with the National League champions.
✍️ Heart of Midlothian is delighted to present our fifth summer signing; Malachi Fagan-Walcott.
The highly-rated versatile defender joins the Jambos from York City for an undisclosed fee, agreeing a four-year contract at Tynecastle Park.
Welcome, Malachi! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/uHLVf8uHYX— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) June 18, 2026
Fagan-Walcott was a standout performer for York last season, scoring eight goals and contributing four assists in 36 appearances as the Minstermen secured promotion back to League Two. His form earned him a place in the National League Team of the Season and a nomination for the Young Player of the Year award.
Confirming the deal, Hearts said: “Heart of Midlothian is delighted to present our fifth summer signing; Malachi Fagan-Walcott.
“The highly-rated versatile defender joins the Jambos from York City for an undisclosed fee, agreeing a four-year contract at Tynecastle Park.”
The club highlighted his experience despite his age, adding: “24-year-old Malachi arrives in Gorgie with a wealth of experience, including in Scotland, despite his young years.”
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A former Tottenham Hotspur academy product, Fagan-Walcott made his senior debut in the Champions League against RB Leipzig, becoming Spurs’ youngest player to feature in the competition at the time.
He has previous experience north of the border, with loan spells at Dundee and Dunfermline Athletic. His stint with the Pars proved particularly productive, yielding three goals in 15 appearances during the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.
Hearts added: “His eight goals and four assists in 36 appearances helped them to lift the National League title… With 14 goals in 79 appearances under his belt at York City, Malachi will now continue his ascent in the maroon of Hearts.”
Fagan-Walcott, who can also operate at right-back, joins fellow summer recruits Josh McPake, MJ Kamson-Kamara, Calvin Miller and Amadou Ba-Sy as Hearts continue their rebuild ahead of the new campaign.
The club are also closing in on the appointment of a new head coach following Derek McInnes’ move to Rangers.
