Harry Wilson has made no secret of his relief that Craig Bellamy is staying put as Wales head coach, after the 29-year-old captain learned his manager had held talks about taking the Burnley job before those negotiations broke down without agreement.

Bellamy had been widely expected to move to Turf Moor in June following Burnley's relegation from the Championship, but the two parties could not reach terms. For Wilson, the news was straightforwardly welcome.

"Yes, obviously from a selfish point of view, I'm delighted that he stayed," Wilson told the BBC. "I think since he's come in 18 months, two years ago, he's definitely made me a better player."

It is a sentiment he believes runs through the entire Wales squad. "He's definitely made our country a better team," Wilson added. "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."

Nations League A and a home Euros in focus

The stakes are high for Wales this autumn. Bellamy's side enter Nations League A with fixtures against Portugal, Denmark and Norway beginning in September — a step up in class that will test whatever progress has been made under the former Cardiff City and Celtic manager. Beyond that, Wales have a home European Championship to prepare for, a tournament Wilson has specifically cited as a target.

"We've got a massive Nations League campaign and then beyond that, a home Euros as well," said Wilson, who has earned 69 caps and scored 17 goals for his country — 12 of those coming in the past three years alone.

Leeds move shaped by Wales team-mates

Wilson's summer transfer from Fulham to Leeds United on a free (having joined Fulham from Liverpool for £12m in 2022) adds yet another Welsh voice to a notably large contingent at Elland Road. He will link up with Ethan Ampadu, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow and Charlie Crew, as well as Wales Under-19 defender Jayden Lienou, who is in line for a senior debut after receiving his first call-up for June's friendly with Ghana.

Wilson had been linked with a move to Leeds the previous summer too, and it was Ampadu — Wales and Leeds captain — who played a significant part in convincing him to finally make the switch.

"Efe's probably the biggest factor — I've been speaking to Efe a lot," Wilson told BBC Radio Leeds. "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."

It means Bellamy can expect to be a regular visitor to Elland Road across the coming season, with so many of his first-team regulars based there.

Bale comparisons firmly rejected

Wilson managed 10 goals in 36 Premier League appearances for Fulham last season — his best top-flight return — and arrives at Leeds as the most prominent attacking option in the Wales squad. That inevitably invites comparison with Gareth Bale, something Wilson is having none of.

"I don't think anyone in our country ever will live up to the standards and the quality that Bale showed over them years," Wilson said. "He dragged us through games and produced moments that only a few in the world can."

He is, however, ready to carry the weight of expectation that comes with being the team's creative focal point. "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. I feel like I'm in the prime of my career — really fit and strong — so that's something I'd like to take on my shoulders."

At 29, with a settled club environment and an ambitious national coach retained, Wilson looks well-placed to deliver on that promise.

Frequently asked

Why did Craig Bellamy not take the Burnley job?
Bellamy held talks with Burnley after their Championship relegation but the two parties could not reach agreement on terms, so he remained as Wales head coach.
Which Wales players are at Leeds United?
Harry Wilson joins Ethan Ampadu, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow, Charlie Crew and Under-19 prospect Jayden Lienou at Elland Road.
When do Wales play in Nations League A?
Wales begin their Nations League A campaign in September, with fixtures against Portugal, Denmark and Norway in their group.