Hearts boss reckons wonderkid James Wilson 'wrong' to move to Tottenham

Robin Bairner

• 4 Feb 2026 11:30 CST
• 5 min read

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James Wilson’s decision to leave Hearts to join Tottenham Hotspur on loan has been criticised by Derek McInnes, the manager of the Premiership leaders, who says he is “better than that”.

Wilson departed Hearts in a dramatic Deadline Day saga that saw the 18-year-old first linked with a move to Arsenal only for Spurs to swoop in and secure his signature.

He has signed for the academy side on a loan deal, with Hearts still holding his registration but Tottenham protecting his future due to a buyout agreement in the player’s transfer.

‘He’s better than that’ – McInnes reacts to Wilson transfer

McInnes admitted that interest from Arsenal and Tottenham for Wilson came as a surprise given that the Scotland international had struggled to even make Hearts’ matchday squad this season.

Now the Jambos’ boss has said that Wilson has made the wrong move by heading to London.

“James wanted to go, that has to be said. So you don't want to keep a player who then becomes unhappy,” McInnes admitted.

“His head was turned with the Tottenham thing. First of all it was Arsenal, then Arsenal went quiet and then all of a sudden Tottenham came to the table yesterday [Monday] afternoon. 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.

“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.

“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.”