Hoffenheim have decided not to pursue a move for Aston Villa youngster Rory Wilson this transfer window

Talks of Rory Wilson leaving Aston Villa this transfer window have had cold water poured on them by reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Dubbed a ‘goal machine’ by Scottish media, Wilson remains a highly rated figure on home soil. The South Ayrshire-born forward made the move to English football in 2022 when he was just 16 years old.

Now 20, Wilson has been tipped to head out on loan this window but with the deadline fast approaching, time is running out. The striker is yet to make his senior debut for the Villans but he will hope his efforts for the club’s youth sides will have put him on Unai Emery’s radar.

Rory Wilson linked with Aston Villa exit

 

On Friday at 1.30pm, Fabrizio Romano reported that Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim had made contact with Aston Villa over a potential loan deal before the transfer window shuts. The Bundesliga side had wanted to sign Wilson for the remainder of the season, with an option to buy clause included in the deal.

“Understand Hoffenheim make an enquiry to sign Rory Wilson on loan deal with buy option clause from Aston Villa. Buy option clause would be set at € 7million (£6m),” Romano wrote on social media.

However, less than three hours later, Plettenberg posted his own update, claiming that a deal is now off the table between the German and English clubs.

“TSG Hoffenheim won’t sign Rory Wilson. They are aware of him, but he is far too expensive,” the Sky Germany reporter wrote. “The 20-year-old striker would initially have been planned for the U23 side.”

With the deadline fast approaching, it looks unlikely Wilson will be moved on, even temporarily this window. Villa are currently fighting to keep their place in the top four while also hoping to put pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Rory Wilson signs new contract with Aston Villa

 

Despite not yet featuring for the first team, Wilson is clearly a player Aston Villa admire. After plucking him from the Rangers ranks, he has impressed with his performances in Premier League 2.

He was rewarded with a new contract last April, after signing his first professional deal with the club in 2023 when he was just 17. At the time, Academy manager Mark Harrison said the club were eager to watch Wilson grow into a senior player and see his development continue.

“We are delighted to have agreed a new contract with Rory. He has obviously got a proven track record of scoring goals at Academy level and we firmly believe that this will continue at senior level,” Harrison said after Wilson signed a contract extension last year.

“Rory has always been very committed to his development and has shown that consistently throughout his time with us. He has undoubted potential, so we look forward to supporting him into transitioning into a first team player at Aston Villa FC.”