James Wilson was one of the big news makers on deadline day of the winter transfer window, following surprise links with Premier League sides. The one-cap Scotland international striker has been struggling for minutes at Hearts, and on paper, there were maybe four or five players that were ahead in the pecking order at the Scottish side.
Arsenal initiated discussions over a loan move, and at one point, the Premier League leaders were primed to sign him on loan for the remainder of the season. The Gunners reportedly wanted him for their Under-21 side, as they had been looking for a new striker for the youth team, including Blackburn’s Igor Tyjon.
Tottenham swooped in late for the striker, with the North Londoners also looking for a striker who could help the Under-21 and probably become an option for the first team if needed. Wilson joined Spurs on loan for the remainder of the season, with the deal reportedly consisting of a buy option at the end of the spell.
Now, Hearts boss Derek McInnes has detailed how the transfer for James Wilson materialised through his comments on the situation, which appeared on Sky Sports. The Hearts manager also insisted that the Tottenham wonderkid might have been better off staying put and being part of the journey Hearts are on, rather than moving at this point.
“James wanted to go, so you don’t want to keep a player who then becomes unhappy,” said manager McInnes, addressing the striker’s move. “I couldn’t guarantee him minutes, such is the way it’s been.”
“I told him and his agent, they knew that our preference was to stay, fight for your place, be part of something, we’ll get you 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.
“But 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 on 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.
“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.
“But 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’ comments pertaining to James Wilson on the journey and being part of the group in one form may have been related to where Hearts are. The Scottish side are leading the Premiership at the moment and are now tipped to continue their good run to clinch the title in the end.
It is not every day that a team other than Celtic or Rangers finds themselves in such a position, which makes a lot of sense to say those comments. However, whether he was right or wrong to join Spurs, the Tottenham wonderkid may have to prove his worth, and only a permanent move will be an indication of his success in north London.
