Hearts legend Steven Pressley believes replacing John Souttar and Ellis Simms could be vital to the Jambos' 2022/23 hopes.
Robbie Neilson's side enjoyed a fantastic return to the Premiership last season that culminated in a third place finish and guaranteed European football until Christmas.
They'll entertain a Europa League play-off match in August that even if they are unsuccessful in, will still mean Europa Conference League group stage football awaits them.
That will come with a seven-figure cash boost and it may be needed to replace two key men.
Souttar had signed a pre-contract with Rangers back in January and his move to Ibrox has now been completed.
Simms meanwhile joined on loan from Everton in January and made a big impact in the Jambos forward line, scoring seven times.
Getting recruits similar in quality to both those players could allow them to build upon a good campaign heading into a new one that will physically test Hearts.
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He told the Daily Record: “The great thing about the fallback of the Europa Conference League is that guarantee of money.
“That enables Robbie and his recruitment team to make investments now because they know they’ve got that pot of cash.
“Without that then it’s hard to invest and sign good players without concerns of not progressing to recoup what you’ve spent.
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“The recruitment is pivotal. They’ve lost John Souttar to Rangers and brought in a couple of defenders who have big shows to fill. But they’ve also lost Ellis Simms back to Everton so there’s two massive players in your team.
“Replacing those players between now and the play-off ties coming round will be key to a successful European campaign. Do it well and they will have every chance."
