Hearts manager Derek McInnes has voiced strong reservations about James Wilson's surprising deadline-day transfer to Tottenham Hotspur's Under-21 squad, insisting the young Scottish striker would have been better served remaining at Tynecastle.
Surprise Move to London
In a dramatic late twist on transfer deadline day, the 18-year-old Scotland international completed a loan move to Spurs until the season's end. The agreement includes an option for the Premier League giants to make the switch permanent, securing Wilson's services on a longer-term basis.
The promising forward had also attracted significant attention from Arsenal earlier in the window, but it was their North London rivals who ultimately tabled the formal offer late on Monday afternoon.
McInnes's Preference for Retention
Addressing the situation publicly for the first time, McInnes revealed his clear preference was for Wilson to stay and fight for his place in the Hearts squad. The Gorgie side currently sit proudly at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, though Wilson has found regular first-team opportunities limited during this successful campaign.
'James wanted to go, so you don't want to keep a player who then becomes unhappy,' McInnes explained. 'I couldn't guarantee him minutes, such is the way it's been.'
The manager outlined the alternative pathway he proposed to the player and his representatives, which involved remaining part of the Hearts setup while potentially securing a short-term loan elsewhere in Scotland to accumulate valuable match experience.
Concerns Over Academy Football
McInnes expressed particular concern that moving to Tottenham's development squad represents a step down in competitive level for a player of Wilson's evident talent. Since breaking into the Hearts first team last season, the striker has notched eight goals across 45 appearances, demonstrating his capability at senior level.
'I don't think it's the right move for him,' McInnes stated bluntly. 'Ultimately, it's academy football and I think he's better than that. But it was something James wanted to do.'
The manager acknowledged that the allure of a move to London, with interest from both Arsenal and Tottenham, ultimately proved too compelling for the young player to resist, despite the club's clear advice to the contrary.
Looking Forward
While disappointed with the outcome, McInnes struck a conciliatory tone towards Wilson personally, describing him as 'a great kid' and wishing him well for the future. However, the manager's focus has now firmly shifted to those players who remain committed to the Hearts cause.
'For us, I just need to concentrate on the players who are here and who want to be here and who want to play their part,' McInnes concluded, signalling a determination to maintain the club's impressive Premiership form without distraction.
The move leaves questions about Wilson's immediate development pathway, while Hearts continue their title challenge with a squad fully invested in the manager's vision.
