Hearts loanee James Wilson joined Tottenham on deadline day in the winter window, and a decision has now been made on his future
Tottenham are reportedly not set to go ahead with the permanent transfer of Hearts youngster James Wilson despite beating Arsenal to his services earlier this year. The Gunners had entered talks for the 19-year-old as was confirmed by Hearts boss Derek McInnes, but Wilson opted to join the Lilywhites instead.
An official statement from Hearts at the time read: "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 wrote: "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."
The deal included an undisclosed fee to make the move permanent, but Spurs will not be exercising it, according to Scottish outlet The Edinburgh News.
After being named in Spurs' matchday squad twice since arriving, Wilson failed to break into the first team and has instead been featuring for the Under‑21s.
He has made eight Premier League 2 appearances, scoring four goals and helping the side reach the semi‑finals of the play‑offs.
The forward, who made 41 appearances for Hearts last season and established himself as a regular starter with 11 goals and three assists, struggled for minutes this year - prompting his move to north London in search of more consistent game time but that hasn't materialised at senior level.
"I couldn’t guarantee him minutes, such is the way it's been," McInnes admitted before Wilson's move to north London.
"I told him and his agent that our preference was to stay, fight for his place, be part of something but his head was turned with the Tottenham thing.
"I don't think it's the right move for him. Ultimately, it's academy football and I think he's better than that. But it was something James wanted to do."
Arsenal appeared favourites to land his signature at the time before their rivals stole a march. Just months after arriving in the capital, Wilson is now set to return to his parent club in Scotland, where he has one year remaining on his current deal.
Progressing through the Hearts academy, Wilson signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2023 and made his senior debut during the 2023/24 campaign.