Tottenham Hotspur's soon-to-be departing sporting director Fabio Paratici has offered a parting gift with Spurs confirming the signing of Arsenal-target James Wilson from Hearts on deadline day. Paratici only returned to Spurs in October - having left in 2023 following accusations of financial irregularities at his former club, Juventus.
The Italian subsequently received a 30-month ban from FIFA, but worked as a consultant for the north London side before officially rejoining earlier this campaign. However, Paratici will depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium once again, having expressed his desire to return to Italy, where he will link up with Fiorentina.
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One of his final contributions at Spurs was helping them secure Wilson's signature from Scottish Premiership side Hearts, beating Arsenal to his services. The 18-year-old forward has moved to Tottenham on loan until the end of the campaign. Spurs have included a purchase option in that 11th-hour agreement.
An official statement from Hearts said: "James Wilson has completed a loan move to Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season. The terms of the loan move also include an option to buy for an undisclosed fee, on Spurs' part. Good luck at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, James!"
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The Tottenham statement ready: "We are delighted to announce the signing of James Wilson on loan from Heart of Midlothian for the remainder of the season, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
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"Joining up with our Under-21s squad, the 18-year-old striker began his career at Hearts, progressing through their academy before making his professional debut in January 2024 at the age of 16. To date, he has made 45 senior appearances for the Scottish Premiership side, scoring eight goals.
"James became the club's youngest ever European goalscorer in December 2024, after netting against FC Petrocub in the UEFA Conference League, while also becoming the youngest player to score in the competition.
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"After representing Scotland and Northern Ireland at youth level, he earned his first senior cap for Scotland in March, 2025, to become his nation's youngest men's international, breaking a 138-year-old record when he was introduced as a second-half substitute in a UEFA Nations League play-off tie against Greece."
Wilson turned out 45 times for Hearts - finding the net eight times and contributing three assists. The majority of the teenager's outings came during the previous campaign, when he cemented his place as a consistent starter.
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This term, though, the Scotland international has found it difficult to break into the team. Speaking to Sky Sports before Hearts' fixture against St Mirren, manager Derek McInnes revealed that Arsenal had also shown interest in acquiring Wilson's services.
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He said: "There was a conversation with Arsenal yesterday, but there's been nothing since from Arsenal. I've heard Tottenham, as well, but Tottenham have had no discussions with us directly.
"Any player going out would have to be a benefit to the club. These sorts of things get left to Graeme Jones."
He added: "James is a young player. He's been restricted with minutes this season. It's well documented how well Lawrence [Shankland] and [Claudio] Braga have done.
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"Big Kabore has come in and did well for us, as well. It's tough to get into someone's first-team at that age. James had a bit more exposure last season, but he's such a good kid, he trains well.
"Would we see the benefit of a loan? Potentially, yes, if he were to go get some minutes, but this one is a little bit left-field. That came yesterday from Arsenal, from their development squad. Those conversations with Arsenal were yesterday [Sunday], and we've heard nothing back from Arsenal today [Monday]."