Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Imago

Declan Carr

Mon 11 May 2026 16:14, UK

Tottenham Hotspur have been backed to send James Wilson back to his parent club Hearts, rather than signing him on a permanent basis.

Wilson was signed for the Under-21 squad in the winter transfer window in a bizarre addition, with a reported £2.5million buy clause.

The Lilywhites secured his short-term signature over Arsenal, despite the fact that he had made 45 senior appearances for the Scottish side.

He had scored eight goals and notched three assists for them, so he already had a pedigree in the same division which Mikey Moore is currently thriving in.

Tottenham raised eyebrows when they completed his deal, and their decision in the summer will have plenty of eyes on it.

What was said about Wilson’s future at Tottenham?

John Wenham believes that the most likely option is that Wilson leaves Tottenham and goes back to the Jambos.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “The one I wonder about is James Wilson.

“This is the kid that came on loan from Hearts, despite the fact Hearts might win the first league title for 60-odd years or whatever it is, and instead has come to play for our under-21s, which I just find strange.

“I know we’ve got this option to buy out, but I probably would send him back, from what I’ve seen.

“We’ve got other strikers that, including Will Lankshear, who’s been out on loan at Oxford doing so well, I’d put above him [Mason Melia and Dane Scarlett], in terms of moving forward as a club.”

How has Wilson performed for Tottenham Under-21s?

The Scotland Under-21 international has made 11 appearances, scoring four goals in total, which is not a bad return by any means.

He started well with two goals in his first three matches, against Norwich and Liverpool in the Premier League 2.

He then failed to score in games against Middlesbrough and Leeds United before he got back to scoring form against West Ham and Wolves.

Wilson did not have an impact in the three Premier League 2 playoff matches, as he did not notch a single goal as Spurs were beaten 3-1 by Brighton in the semi-finals.

That does not look too encouraging for his chances of stepping up to the first-team, so an exit probably makes sense.