James Tilley is first summer signing

Wycombe Wanderers have kicked off their summer transfer window with the capture of James Tilley, who will join the Chairboys following the expiration of his contract at AFC Wimbledon.

The exciting attacker, who turned 27 on Friday, ranked fifth for big chances created and second for expected assists in League Two last season, totalling 13 goal contributions and helping his side achieve promotion via the play-offs.

Head Coach Mike Dodds commented: “We’re really pleased to welcome James to the club and we’re looking forward to working with him. He’s a talented player who had a great upbringing in Brighton’s academy and has developed his game year on year in senior football.

“He’s someone who offers us another threat in attack on either side of the pitch and comes to us off the back of a hugely successful season, both collectively with his club and also for him personally. We hope he carries that momentum into this next step of his career at Wycombe and I’m sure the fans will be excited to see him pull on the shirt and show what he can do.”

Tom Stockwell, Director of Football Strategy, added: “With over 180 League Two appearances across the last five seasons, James has shown his consistency to perform at a high level and in the most recent two seasons in particular, we believe has shown he is ready for the next step and we’re confident that we’ve signed a player on the up who is entering his best years.

“His versatility will allow us to tactically flex and play with fluid rotation within the games. He has the technical and physical attributes to execute the game model and will also give us another strong left-footed set-piece delivery option.”

Tilley graduated from Brighton’s academy and earned a handful of first-team appearances alongside loan spells with Cork City and Yeovil Town, before making a permanent switch to Grimsby Town in January 2020.

He moved to Crawley Town a year later, before discovering his best form with AFC Wimbledon after joining them in June 2023, scoring seven times in six games soon after signing, and ending his first campaign with 17 goal contributions.

James’s signing remains subject to EFL and FA approval.