Hearts manager Derek McInnes believes James Wilson’s move to Tottenham Hotspur is the wrong move for his career.
Spurs signed Wilson on loan from the Scottish Premiership leaders on deadline day, beating Arsenal to the 18-year-old’s signature. The move includes an option to buy with Spurs set to run the rule over Wilson before exercising the permanent clause.
The teenager has struggled for minutes at Hearts this season but McInnes believes a return to academy football at Spurs is a backward step. Wilson became Scotland’s youngest-ever senior debutant last year.
“I couldn’t guarantee him minutes, such is the way it’s been. I told him and his agent knew that our preference was for him to stay, fight for your place, be part of something.
“Get a loan in Scotland if need be, if you need to top your minutes up, and we can maybe recall you so you still get the best of both worlds.
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 ✍️
Welcome to Spurs, James! 🤍
📰 https://t.co/xWfJxtMGf7 pic.twitter.com/GS49u7f5rD
— Tottenham Hotspur Academy (@Spurs_Academy) February 2, 2026
“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.
“He made the decision and I hope it goes well for him because he’s a great kid and we’ll see how it plays out.”
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He should have joined our under 21 side then progressed upwards to the Arsenal 1st team