‘He’s better than that’ – Wilson joining Spurs a bad decision, says McInnes

Heart of Midlothian manager Derek McInnes thinks James Wilson made a bad choice by joining Tottenham Hotspur on loan, which could become a permanent move later. Arsenal had been interested in the 18-year-old striker, but he chose Spurs instead.

Wilson, who made history as the youngest player to represent Scotland during a Nations League match against Greece last March, will play for Spurs’ Under-21 team. Since breaking into the Hearts first team last season, he has scored eight goals in 45 games, but he has not played much this season.

“James wanted to leave, and you can’t keep a player who is unhappy,” McInnes said. “I couldn’t promise him playing time, which is how things have been. I told him and his agent that we preferred for him to stay, fight for his spot, and be part of our team. We could have arranged a loan in Scotland to help him get more minutes and maybe bring him back later.”

McInnes mentioned that Wilson’s interest in Tottenham grew after Arsenal stopped pursuing him. “I don’t think it’s the right move for him. He’s too good for just academy football, but it was his decision. I wish him well because he’s a great kid. Now, I need to focus on the players who are here and want to contribute.”

Hearts are currently at the top of the Premiership, but with captain Lawrence Shankland injured and Wilson leaving, McInnes has Pierre Landry Kabore and Elton Kabangu as his main strikers.