Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Thu 19 March 2026 16:10, UK

Aston Villa youngster Rory Wilson could be set to remain at Sturm Graz beyond the end of his initial loan spell, Villa News understands.

The 20-year-old sealed a temporary switch to the Austrian Bundesliga after the most recent January transfer window slammed shut at Villa Park.

A winter switch to league leaders was selected from a host of interested parties after seven goals in 12 games in claret and blue at youth level.

The Scotland under-21 international has made one appearance under Fabio Ingolitsch so far since completing his loan move.

It appears that Sturm Graz have already seen enough of Wilson, as Villa News understands that an extended stay at Merkur Arena is already wanted.

Sturm Graz want to keep Rory Wilson beyond initial loan

Villa News can reveal that the Austrian outfit are already impressed with what they’ve seen from Wilson after just five weeks.

His Bundesliga game time has been limited to just four minutes off the bench, but that isn’t entirely his fault.

Visa constraints meant the forward missed his first two available fixtures, while also facing stern competition for a starting place.

The Scot is currently battling for the one striker role in Graz and finds himself up against four other options in black and white.

All these factors haven’t stopped Wilson from making a positive impression, as Villa News has learned that a member of the Sterm Graz hierarchy is keen on keeping the Scot next season.

That could prompt an extended loan when his current spell comes to an end, with his progress already catching the eye in southeast Austria.

It looks as if the forward has made a positive decision for his career after Wilson was linked with a move to Norway, among other leagues, over the winter.

Why did Wilson choose Sturm Graz when leaving Aston Villa?

It wasn’t a surprise when the Scotland youth international agreed a loan move abroad after plenty of interest away from the UK in the months prior.

Sturm Graz may have been a surprise option, but it totally makes sense as Wilson is now getting the perfect opportunity to feature alongside senior international players after a productive spell in Villa’s academy set up.

Villa News understands that the prospect of playing in a new division and country was seen as very useful to help his overall learning and development away from B6.

The hope is that he will benefit his career more than a move to the EFL, even if minutes may be harder to come by in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Wilson is already making a positive impression, which opens the door to an interesting summer window where a return to Sturm Graz could be on the cards.