New Saints sign Airdrieonians striker Wilson in 'club record' deal

Striker Ben Wilson scored 17 goals in 46 games for Airdrieonians last season

Airdrieonians striker Ben Wilson has joined The New Saints for what the Cymru Premier side says is a club record transfer, although the fee has not been revealed.

The 23-year-old moves to Park Hall after a year at the Scottish Championship side where he scored 17 goals in 46 games after signing from Cliftonville in June 2024.

The Brighton youth product has been capped by Northern Ireland at Under-17 and Under-19 level.

Wilson said: "I'm buzzing to be here at Park Hall and to complete a move to The New Saints.

"All of the lads have been really welcoming so far, and I can't wait to get started now. I'm excited to see what we can achieve this season."

TNS head coach Craig Harrison said the club is excited to have added a proven goalscorer ahead of another European campaign, where they have been drawn against KF Shkendija of North Macedonia in the Champions League qualifiers.

"We are very pleased to get the signing of Ben over the line. He's a player that's been on our radar for a few months now," Harrison said.

"He has a proven goal involvement record in both the Northern Irish Premiership with Cliftonville and the Scottish Championship with Airdrie, scoring double figures plus in a struggling team last season.

"He's also had a fantastic upbringing with Brighton, and is a natural goalscorer who can score lots of different types of goals. He will add competition to our already outstanding strike force."

Chairman Mike Harris said Wilson's signing is "a real statement of intent" and "shows that the JD Cymru Premier is becoming a significant league".