Wales captain Harry Wilson has expressed his delight that head coach Craig Bellamy is staying with the national team, after negotiations to take over at Burnley fell through. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder, who recently joined Leeds United on a free transfer following his departure from Fulham, believes Bellamy's continued presence is vital as Wales target a strong Nations League campaign and a home European Championship.
Quick Facts
Player: Harry Wilson
Age: 29
Position: Attacking midfielder / Winger
New Club: Leeds United (free transfer)
Former Club: Fulham
Wales Caps: 69
Wales Goals: 17
Premier League Goals (2025/26): 10 in 36 appearances
Coach: Craig Bellamy
Bellamy's Decision Delights Wilson
Bellamy had been strongly linked with the vacant managerial position at Turf Moor, but the Championship club and the former striker could not reach an agreement, leaving the 45-year-old to continue his promising tenure with Wales. Wilson, speaking exclusively to BBC Sport, admitted to feeling relieved.
"Yes, obviously from a selfish point of view, I'm delighted that he stayed. I think since he's come in 18 months, two years ago, he's definitely made me a better player."
Wilson, who hails from Wrexham, has become a key figure for his country since Bellamy's appointment, and his sentiments echo the wider squad's appreciation for the manager's methods.
A Better Wales Under Bellamy
The Wales captain was full of praise for Bellamy's impact on the collective, highlighting the progressive style that has reinvigorated the side.
"He's definitely made our country a better team. The way he plays, the ideas he's got across to us, the way he sees football, from a personal point of view, it's benefited me and I think if you ask everyone in that squad, they'll say the same."
With a challenging UEFA Nations League group featuring Portugal, Denmark, and Norway on the horizon, and a home European Championship to build towards, Bellamy's continuity is seen as essential. Wilson himself has flourished, netting a memorable hat-trick against North Macedonia in November 2025, and his 17 international goals are a testament to his growing influence.
'Welsh Mafia' at Leeds United
Wilson's decision to move to Leeds United was swayed significantly by the strong Welsh presence at Elland Road. He joins international teammates Ethan Ampadu, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow, and Charlie Crew, with highly-rated youngster Jayden Lienou also set to link up with the senior squad.
Wilson revealed that club captain Ampadu played a pivotal role in his choice.
"I'd say Efe's probably the biggest, I've been speaking to Efe a lot, but yes, I'm close to all the boys, and even before getting here, on international duty, speaking about the club, they've all had positive things to say. And then, yes, Efe being captain, he's been on to me a lot, just like he was last summer as well. So he's played a big part in it, but just hearing what the boys had to say about the club, about the city, about the fans, that made the decision a bit easier."
The 29-year-old arrives after a productive season at Fulham, where he scored 10 Premier League goals in 36 appearances, and he hopes to replicate that form in the Championship to fire Leeds back to the top flight.
Leadership and Legacy
Having amassed 69 caps, Wilson is now one of the senior figures in the Welsh dressing room. He dismisses comparisons with the legendary Gareth Bale, but accepts the responsibility that comes with being a talisman.
"Yes, I think the Bale comparison is something I've put to bed quite quickly because I don't think anyone in our country ever will live up to the standards and the quality that Bale showed over them years. He dragged us through games and produced moments that only a few in the world can. In terms of being a standout player, or one of the main players for the team, it's something that I take on my shoulders. I feel that responsibility. I feel like I've gone from one of the younger lads to one of the senior ones quite quickly, especially on the international stage, so, yes, I feel that at the age I'm at now, I feel like I'm in the prime of my career. I feel really good. I feel really fit and strong."
Wilson joined Fulham permanently from Liverpool in 2022 for £12 million after a successful loan spell, and his progression has since seen him become a linchpin for club and country. As he embarks on this new chapter at Leeds United, his blend of experience and ambition will be crucial for both his club's promotion push and Wales' quest for glory.
Key Takeaways
- Harry Wilson is thrilled that Craig Bellamy remains Wales head coach after Burnley negotiations collapsed.
- Wilson credits Bellamy with improving him individually and making Wales a better team.
- The forward’s move to Leeds United was heavily influenced by the strong Welsh contingent, particularly captain Ethan Ampadu.
- At 29, Wilson feels he is in his prime and is ready to embrace leadership responsibilities for club and country.
- Wales face a tough Nations League group with Portugal, Denmark, and Norway, and are building towards a home European Championship.
Source: BBC Sport
