Former Manchester United striker prospect James Wilson is a free agent after his spell at Port Vale came to an end.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. A decade ago James Wilson was scoring for fun for Manchester United’s under-21 side, and was being tipped as the next big thing.
He made his big breakthrough during Ryan Giggs’ caretaker spell at the end of 2013/14, scoring twice against Hull.
It didn’t quite work out for him under Louis van Gaal, netting only once. When Marcus Rashford made his big breakthrough in 2016, Wilson was out on loan at Derby County.
James Wilson’s post-Manchester United career
Wilson finally departed in 2019, by which point the Jose Mourinho era had come and gone. He showed little appetite for involving the youngster, while his progress was also derailed by an ACL injury.
Aberdeen signed Wilson permanently after his final loan spell there, but the move did not work out. He ended up joining Salford City a year later.
A steady return of 10 goals saw Port Vale come calling, and last season he had his best ever professional campaign.
Wilson struck 15 goals in all competitions to help Vale win promotion to League One. But this season has not been as successful.
He scored only four times in a campaign interrupted by injury, in which he has only been able to make 17 league starts.
Port Vale avoided relegation but only finished 18th, and they have now made the decision to release the striker.
Manager David Flitcroft told the Port Vale website: “On behalf of the club, the board would like to thank James for his contributions at Vale Park especially the part he played in helping us to achieve our place in League One through the play-offs last season.
“We’d like to also thank him for his professionalism and commitment, which he showed during his time here and we wish him nothing but success in the future.”
What the future holds for James Wilson is at this stage unclear. But he probably won’t be short of offers. He has struck 19 goals over the past two seasons and still has more to contribute.
Wilson is still only 27, and should be nearing his prime. He just needs a little luck with injury, and to find the right club and right situation. We wish him all the best.
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