Beni Baningime, the Hearts contract and the international mystery
A major issue is the midfielder’s new contract in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Finding traditional holding midfielders with the right amount of authority and contagious energy is difficult. There is one in Beni Baningime for Hearts. He is a team player who works quietly and effectively, and his absence is greatly missed. As Tynecastle gets closer to the prime years of his career, they will surely want to start contract negotiations to retain the 27-year-old.
Baningime signed a two-year contract with Hearts in May 2024 after initially joining from Everton in 2021. He is currently in the last few months of that contract and, as of January, he is legally allowed to speak with other interested clubs. Since it’s only September, there’s no need to panic, but Hearts must surely have keeping Baningime at the top of their priority list because, to put it simply, they don’t look the same without the vital No. 6.
If a more lucrative opportunity elsewhere presents itself, he might decide not to stay past the end of the current campaign. That is not something that Hearts can control. However, Baningime is valued by the team’s management, coaches, players, and supporters. He has contributed to Gorgie’s ascent to the top of the William Hill Premiership, which is being driven by new investor Tony Bloom.
Baningime has played for Hearts in six league games, averaging 7.68 out of 10. He did not start the game against Motherwell at Tynecastle last month. He was introduced at halftime when the home team was behind 3-0.
Baningime has made six league appearances for Hearts, averaging 7.68 out of 10. The match against Motherwell at Tynecastle last month was one that he did not start. His introduction as a halftime substitution, with the home team trailing 3-0, sparked a comeback as McInnes’ team rallied to draw 3-3. A Portuguese attacker with two goals
At full time, Claudio Braga received the cheers of the supporters, but Baningime’s contribution was just as significant.
He keeps the ball moving in a straightforward but efficient manner by recycling possession and intercepting. This season, Baningime has an overall passing accuracy of 84%. Only once has he been dispossessed. Even though he doesn’t score many goals or even provide many assists, his presence in midfield is valued by every Hearts teammate. That composed confidence was a key element of the team’s 2-0 victory over Rangers at Ibrox most recently.
Perhaps the buzz surrounding Bloom’s investment and assertions that Hearts can pose a long-term threat to Rangers and Celtic will convince the friendly Baningime to sign another contract extension. It stands to reason that the longer his club stays at the top of the Premiership, the better their chances are. There haven’t been any official conversations with the player thus far. “No, nothing has happened,” Baningime affirmed.
World Cup chance as DR Congo push in Africa qualifiers
Considering all of the aforementioned, the fact that Baningime has never represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo is somewhat of an international mystery. He was born in Kinshasa, the capital, and raised in the Lemba commune before relocating to England when he was eight years old. Before rioting and civil upheaval forced his parents to look for a better life, the music, dancing, culture, and football there helped him feel very connected to his African heritage.
In 2023, Hibs defender Rocky Bushiri was called up to make his international debut for the 112 million-person Democratic Republic of Congo. They are aiming to create history by making it to the finals next summer, and they are currently ranked second in their World Cup qualifying group, behind Senegal. They presently have notable center midfielders in the roster, such Charles Pickel of Espanyol, Noah Sadiki of Sunderland, and Samuel Moutoussamy of Greek club Atromitos. Nevertheless, it is unexpected that Baningime has never been capped. His compatriots haven’t even approached, it seems.
Nothing is present. Since they haven’t been in touch with me, my only concentration at the moment is Hearts. They haven’t been in touch with me,” he stated. “I haven’t heard from them, so I don’t have a decision to make.” He clarified his stance when asked if he would be pleased to get a call from the Congolese.
I’d like to hear my parents’ reaction because it was one of the reasons I didn’t go a long time ago, so I’ll have to talk to them about it. There will have to be a decision because I place a lot of importance on family and parents working together to make decisions, but as of right now, none has been made because they haven’t arrived.
For the time being, Baningime will keep taking international breaks to recuperate and return to club-related activities. It’s unclear which club will survive past next summer. He has previously shown that wearing a Hearts shirt doesn’t require him to be well-known abroad. All the more justification to at least raise the topic and start those new contract negotiations.
