Who is James Wilson? Learn more about Tottenham’s deadline day loan signing

It was a quiet deadline day for Tottenham in the New Year, but James Wilson did arrive, so it’s time to get to know the young Scottish star.

Many Spurs fans had hoped for a more active transfer window for the Lilywhites, but Wilson’s arrival was the highlight of a very quiet deadline day.

He became the third and final confirmed January deal for Tottenham, alongside Conor Gallagher and Souza. But, we might not even see Wilson play for the first-team this season.

Still, it’s important to know more about the latest Spurs signing, so let’s dive into exactly who James Wilson is.

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James Wilson becomes a Tottenham player

Despite strong interest and reports from Fabrizio Romano suggesting he would sign for Arsenal, it was Tottenham who won the race to sign James Wilson on transfer deadline day.

The 18-year-old joins the Lilywhites on a loan deal until the end of the season from Scottish side Hearts. There is an option for Spurs to make the deal permanent come the summer if they wish to.

He will link up with the Under-21 squad at Tottenham, which is part of the reason fans are so underwhelmed by the Wilson deal.

What kind of player is James Wilson?

Wilson is a centre-forward who knows a thing or two about finding the back of the net. He’s been prolific at youth level, and has great goalscoring instincts.

Given his slight frame, Wilson is more of a technical player than one who can physically impose himself on opponents. He’s good with the ball at his feet, knows how to cleverly keep hold of the ball or draw a foul, and has good awareness when it comes to bringing teammates into the game.

Wilson’s career to date

James Wilson has developed through the Hearts academy. He made waves in 2023/24 playing in the Lowland League, when he scored 14 goals and registered six assists in 26 games.

In 2024/25, Wilson made the step up to the Hearts first-team, and did not look out of place in senior football. He scored five goals in the SPL, as well as one more in the Europa Conference League.

However, in 2025/26, Wilson has actually struggled for game time at Hearts. With Derek McInnes’ team leading the way in the SPL, it’s been far less likely for the line-up to change and make room for the teenager.

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He’s already made his Scotland debut

While he’s done well at club level, Wilson has also excelled at international level with Scotland.

So far, Wilson has eight goals in 14 youth games for Scotland, including four goals in five for the Under-21s during their recent European Championship qualifying campaign.

Incredibly, Wilson has even made his debut for the Scotland men’s team. Steve Clarke obviously liked what he saw from Wilson, bringing him on as a substitute against Greece in May 2025.

That made Wilson the youngest ever debutant for Scotland, at the age of 18 years and just 17 days.

What experts are saying about James Wilson

There is some hype around Wilson, especially with both Spurs and Arsenal fighting it out to sign him. However, we should be wary.

Transfermarkt’s SPL expert, Euan Robertson, said: “Wilson is widely viewed as one of the best young talents to emerge at Hearts across the last few decades. [Hearts] fought off competition from Celtic, Rangers and various English Premier League sides to convince him to sign a new contract in 2025.

“The promise of first-team football was integral to his decision but that’s really dried up this season. Derek McInnes hasn’t entrusted him and he’s well down the pecking order.”

As for what we can expect from Wilson, Robertson added: “He’s a natural finisher, which is probably his best quality and he was prolific at youth level. He can link up play well and is technically sound. He’s grown considerably across the last few years but needs to add muscle – especially if he’s to make it in England.

“It’s quite a bizarre move for Arsenal or Tottenham, albeit no risk, as I don’t view him as good enough to become a starter for one of the best clubs in the world. I view him similarly to fellow Scot Rory Wilson, brilliant at youth level but struggled to step into senior football with Aston Villa, so far.”

Personal information

James Wilson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on March 6, 2007.

He is 1.7 metres tall (or 5 feet 7 inches) and he weighs 70kg. That’s pretty lightweight, so he’ll have to use his agility and brain to make the most of his chance in England.

Wilson’s two brothers, Stanley and Alfie, both play for Hearts Under-18s right now.

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