Heart of Midlothian has officially welcomed Kazakhstan international Islam Chesnokov to their squad. The 26-year-old right winger signed a contract that extends until the summer of 2028. His arrival is pending international clearance and approval from the Scottish FA.
Chesnokov’s Impressive Career
Islam Chesnokov stands out as one of the top talents in Kazakhstan. His professional journey began with Altai Semey, where he made his debut during the 2019/20 season. In 2021, he transitioned to Belarus, joining Belshina Bobruisk. There, he played a pivotal role in securing promotion to the Belarusian Premier League and continued to excel during the following season, contributing 11 goals and 11 assists.
Return to Kazakhstan
Chesnokov returned to Kazakhstan in 2023, signing with FC Tobol. He quickly made an impact, scoring the crucial goal that led to victory in the Kazakhstan Cup Final. This achievement was followed by another trophy in 2024 when he helped secure the Kazakhstan Supercup.
European Experience and Top Scorer Achievements
In his quest for European experience, Chesnokov participated in UEFA Europa League and Conference League qualifiers, finishing as Tobol’s top scorer with 12 goals. He continued to demonstrate his skills last season, securing another Kazakhstan Cup victory and contributing to Tobol’s strong performance in the league, where they finished third, just five points shy of the top.
- Time with FC Tobol: 3 years
- Appearances: 92
- Goals: 29
- Assists: 18
International Recognition
Chesnokov’s impressive performances earned him a spot on the Kazakhstan national team. He made his senior debut in 2023 and has since earned 22 caps and scored three goals, helping the team reach the Nations League play-offs in 2024.
Joining Heart of Midlothian
After his contract with Tobol ended, Hearts swiftly secured Chesnokov’s services on a pre-contract agreement. The team’s head coach, Derek McInnes, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the signing, noting Chesnokov’s talent and potential contribution to the squad. McInnes emphasized the importance of the collaboration between the club, Chesnokov, and the coaching staff in making the transfer smooth.
As he joins the current table-toppers, Chesnokov is eager to don the maroon jersey and contribute to Heart of Midlothian’s ambitions in the second half of the season.
