Hearts boss says James Wilson made a bad decision by joining Spurs

Hearts boss Derek McInnes believes James Wilson should have stayed with the Scottish Premiership side instead of joining Tottenham’s Under-21s side.

In a surprise deadline day move, Wilson left McInnes’ side for Tottenham in a loan deal that will see him assessed by Spurs’ youth staff.

The promising striker became Scotland’s youngest-ever player when he made his international debut last March, but has been restricted to just 10 appearances for Hearts this term.

Wilson was wanted by Arsenal, before their North-London rivals swooped in for his signature at the last minute.

The 18-year-old is expected to feature for Tottenham’s Under-21s side, where he will be assessed further before the club decides whether to make a permanent move in the summer.

After seeing the deal completed on deadline day, McInnes has revealed he does not believe the deal was in the Scotsman’s best interest.

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 @SpursOfficial‘s part.

Good luck at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, James! pic.twitter.com/pwYkH8BMbN

— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) February 2, 2026

Wilson ‘unhappy’ with game time at Hearts

Speaking for the first time since Wilson’s move, the Hearts boss said his preference would have been for Wilson to stay at the club, although he understands the decision.

“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.”

After scoring six times in 32 appearances for Hearts last season, Wilson has been largely reduced to appearances from the bench under the new manager this season.

Wilson should have fought for a place in Hearts’ first team

McInnes’ decision has been justified, as Hearts look set to challenge the 40-year Celtic-Rangers duopoly over Scottish football.

However, the 54-year-old insisted his preference would have been for Wilson to stay and push himself into the manager’s first team plans.

“I told him and his agent, they knew that our preference was to stay, fight for your place, be part of something,” said McInnes.

Failing that, McInnes thought the striker would benefit from a domestic loan move where he could establish himself as a top Scottish Premiership striker.

McInnes questions Wilson’s decision

Ultimately, McInnes’ plans for Wilson were foiled after the striker had his “head turned” by Arsenal and Spurs.

Whilst he wishes all the best for the young striker, McInnes questioned whether a move to Spurs’ youth team was best for Wilson’s development.

“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.

“So like I say, we made it clear that our preference was for him to stay and be part of something here. But 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.”

Despite the loan move, Wilson still has another 18 months left on his contract at Tynecastle Park.

Should things work out for the 18-year-old in Spurs’ development side, then Hearts may soon cash in on Wilson, with an option to buy included as part of the deal.