Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sat 30 May 2026 9:32, UK

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Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Harry Wilson this summer, with his Fulham contract set to expire next month.

The winger has enjoyed a superb season at Craven Cottage, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in the Premier League.

Villa are in need of a right-sided attacker, too, with Leon Bailey failing to find form since his January return from Roma.

There are negatives to the potential signing of Wilson, however, with the financial side of the deal still set to be expensive.

Villa transfer chiefs will be aware of the competitive interest in the Wales international and will be cautious not to be dragged into an overly costly signing.

Harry Wilson signing could be a mistake

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Villa have opened talks to sign Wilson on a free transfer this summer.

The 29-year-old has been at Fulham for five years, originally signing from Liverpool in a deal worth around £12million.

He has not always found consistency for the Cottagers, but helped them into the top flight in 2022 and saw them further strengthen their place in the middle of the Premier League pack this season.

Wilson’s best period of the season came between the end of November and the end of January – a period in which he scored six goals and provided four assists.

While his form outside of that period was by no means bad, it may be of concern to potential suitors that in the final nine games of the season, the most crucial point, the winger produced just one goal and one assist.

The stats could also provide Villa with something to think about. Wilson’s 10 goals came from just 5.83 expected goals (xG), and his seven assists from 4.78 expected assists (xA).

Wilson with the winner. ✨ pic.twitter.com/Rfjllxn5SO

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) January 7, 2026

While that number indicates good finishing on both counts, it also suggests unsustainability – a purple patch, which could result in a much worse out-of-form player next season.

The argument for signing Wilson

Anyone who has watched Wilson play could tell you that his goals usually come from extraordinary sources.

The winger has one of the most eye-catching goal catalogues in world football, and it is no surprise that his strikes produce low xG totals because very few players can pull them off.

Harry Wilson v Crystal Palace. 🪄

Your December Goal of the Month. pic.twitter.com/bfUH6Ewq98

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) January 14, 2026

Wilson also creates plenty of chances and his crosses find their mark 27.8 per cent of the time, making him a valuable asset on the wing.

All that being said, Villa face a decision. Sign the 29-year-old, and you risk paying significant wages for a player who may well lose his streak of scoring stunning goals.

Alternatively, you gain a player capable of coming up with a moment of magic to win any game – that is an incredibly valuable weapon to have in your artillery.