The loanee joined Tottenham from Scottish Premiership side Hearts on transfer deadline day.
Tottenham Hotspur endured a quiet winter transfer window when it came to new signings. Their transfer dealings involved loaning out two academy prospects and signing a youngster from the Scottish Premiership.
James Wilson left Hearts to join Tottenham on February 2. Spurs hijacked Arsenal’s move in a last-gasp swoop for the 18-year-old talent, signing the striker until the end of the season with an option to buy.
The Scot scored eight goals in 45 appearances since making his breakthrough at Hearts last season, but he struggled for game time this term. James Wilson will initially link up with Tottenham Under-21s, with the north Londoners submitting a deal sheet right on time on deadline day to steal him under Arsenal’s noses.
James Wilson tipped to feature for Tottenham’s first team this season
Thomas Frank was hopeful of seeing his squad getting reinforced on deadline day, but nothing materialised. This meant he ended up with just two first-team signings- Conor Gallagher and Souza. The failure to bring in a new No.9 was extremely disappointing, leaving Frank to work with the available resources at his disposal until the end of the season.
Keeping that in mind, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King feels James Wilson could be integrated into the first team, and he could end up making many appearances off the bench.
“He’s done quite well with Hearts this year, and he’s got a lot to prove already,” Bryan King exclusively told Tottenham News.
“I’m eager to see where he’ll get his chance because he’s only 18.
“Tottenham are willing to buy him at the end of the season, but he’ll have to feature in 11 or 12 games for that to be worthwhile.
“He’s played plenty of games for Hearts, and he’s scored eight, so looking at it, if they are going to use him, they can bring him off the bench.”
It does not look beyond the realms of possibility of seeing Wilson get first-team minutes this season. While he is set to go straight to the Under-21s, Tottenham’s lack of firepower up top due to injury problems may very well see the young Scot being integrated into the first team.
The 18-year-old, who can play across the frontline, is unlikely to get immediate opportunities with Tottenham set to face the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United and Arsenal in the upcoming fixtures. Beyond those, Wilson may get a look in, and if at all that happens, he will be raring to grab it with both hands.
