James Wilson burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old in the 2024‑25 season, netting six goals across 32 first‑team appearances. His performances helped stave off relegation and earned him a Scotland debut in March 2025, becoming the nation's youngest ever player.

With Derek McInnes taking the helm, Wilson was a regular in the League Cup group stage, but as Hearts launched an early title push, his league minutes dwindled. The striker started only one league match – a 3‑3 draw with Motherwell – and came off the bench five times.

During the transfer deadline, Spurs signed Wilson, offering him a chance to train with a top‑six English club. Though he never played for the first team and the club did not trigger the buy option, Wilson returned to Hearts. After being on the bench for Vrancken’s first four games, he now features regularly, scoring a rebound‑goal against Inverness.

Manager Vrancken praised Wilson’s game intelligence, noting he "is smart enough to know what we wants." Wilson reflected on the learning gained in London, the hard work off the pitch, and the joy of scoring again after a year’s drought.