Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of James Wilson from Hearts. The 18-year-old striker, who was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal earlier in the January transfer window, has joined the Lilywhites on loan until the end of the season.
football.london understand that Spurs inserted an option-to-buy clause in the deal. 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 include an option to buy, for an undisclosed fee, on Spurs' part. Good luck at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, James!"
Spurs said: "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.
"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 featured 45 times for Hearts, scoring eight goals and providing three assists. The large majority of the teenager's appearances came last term, when he established himself as a regular in the starting lineup.
This season, however, the Scotland international has struggled to force himself into the side. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Hearts' clash against St Mirren on Tuesday night, Derek McInnes confirmed that Arsenal were interested in signing Wilson.
"There was a conversation with Arsenal yesterday, but there’s been nothing since from Arsenal," said the Hearts boss. "I’ve heard Tottenham as well, but Tottenham have had no discussions with us directly.
"I think any player going out would have to be a benefit to the club. These sorts of things get left to Graeme Jones."
McInnes continued: " He 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.
"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 and 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, and we’ve heard nothing back from Arsenal today."