Wycombe Wanderers attacker James Tilley has been ‘left frustrated’ after a second bid was rejected from AFC Wimbledon, according to reports.
The 28-year-old joined the Chairboys last summer on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Wimbledon. He was offered fresh terms at Plough Lane after helping the Dons earn promotion to League One but opted to reject the terms in favour of a move to Buckinghamshire.
Tilley began the campaign on the fringes of Mike Dodds’ squad, making just one league start in the opening eight games. He then suffered a hamstring injury in September, which coincided with a change of manager. Under Michael Duff, the forward made the matchday squad just four times.
Wimbledon Return Reignited Tilley Season
With playing time at Adams Park limited, Tilley returned to familiar surroundings in January with a return to Wimbledon on loan until the end of the season. He was almost immediately thrust into action and his presence provided a huge boost for Johnnie Jackson’s team.
The former Crawley Town star suffered another injury in March but returned a month later to help the Dons avoid relegation. It is now believed that a third spell at SW17 is on the cards, although there is resistance from Wycombe.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Wimbledon have seen two bids knocked back already this summer. This is said to have left Tilley frustrated, especially as he has been deemed surplus to requirements at Adams Park.
Wycombe’s Bizarre Transfer Stance
Wycombe look set for a busy summer in the transfer market. They have already brought in Conor Hazard from Plymouth Argyle, whilst they have also launched a bid for Charlton Athletic defender Alex Mitchell.
James Tilley has been left frustrated after Wycombe rejected a second bid from AFC Wimbledon for the winger, despite the player being deemed surplus to requirements.
Tilley enjoyed a successful spell at Wimbledon and remains highly regarded at Plough Lane. #afcw #Chairboys pic.twitter.com/vzRTp7Doup— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) July 1, 2026
After finishing 11th last season, they will be hoping to break into the top six after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion in 2025. Tilley is clearly not a part of their plans and their stance seems a strange one considering they picked up the player for free.
The Chairboys benefitted from the winger’s contract situation a year ago and convinced him to reject new terms at Wimbledon in order to make the make the short switch north. They then let him rejoin his former club on loan a few months later.
They clearly have a fee they are willing to accept although they have to be realistic. It seems pointless upsetting a player that has made just 13 appearances for the club, especially as they didn’t have to pay for his services anyway.
