AFC Wimbledon are set to bring a familiar face back to Plough Lane, with a deal agreed for the return of winger James Tilley from Wycombe Wanderers.
The move is expected to be a loan until the end of the season, offering Tilley the chance to reset after a stop-start spell at Adams Park and giving Wimbledon some much-needed attacking depth for the run-in.
AFC Wimbledon have been tracking the situation closely after reports last week suggested several League One clubs were monitoring Tilley’s availability. Now, it appears the Dons have moved decisively to bring the 27-year-old back to the club where he enjoyed the most settled spell of his career.
Tilley joined Wycombe Wanderers last summer as their first signing of the window, arriving fresh from a Wembley play-off triumph with Wimbledon. However, his season has never quite found momentum. He has made 13 appearances in all competitions, but only six starts, and just one of those came in the league. A hamstring injury picked up early in the campaign stalled his progress, and opportunities have been limited since his return.
AFC Wimbledon have agreed a deal to re-sign former star James Tilley on loan from Wycombe Wanderers. #afcw afcwimbledon #wycombewanderers pic.twitter.com/WXOBoG00Z0
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) January 18, 2026
His sole goal for Wycombe came in August, a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Reading, but minutes have been hard to come by, with his last outing coming in December’s FA Cup defeat at Exeter City.
A return to south London makes sense for all parties. Wimbledon know exactly what they are getting, a flexible attacker who can play wide or operate between the lines, while Tilley gets the chance to return to an environment where he has already proven he can be effective.
Why the move makes sense
There is also a broader story to Tilley that helps explain why this move feels right. He came through the academy at Brighton & Hove Albion, making a handful of first-team appearances and gaining early experience on loan at Cork City and Yeovil Town. His career has been shaped by movement and adaptation, spells at Grimsby Town and Crawley Town followed, before he really settled during two seasons with Wimbledon.
During that time, he became a regular, making over 100 appearances across all competitions and playing a key role in their promotion success. Off the pitch, he comes from a footballing family, with strong roots in the game, and is known as a thoughtful, grounded character who values stability.
For Wimbledon, this is a low-risk move with clear upside. For Tilley, it looks like a chance to get back to doing what he does best, playing regularly, enjoying his football, and contributing at a club that already feels like home.