Wilson signed for Stoke City on 31 August 2010 player-plus-cash exchange deal which saw Liam Lawrence and Dave Kitson move in the opposite direction to Football League Championship club Portsmouth. Wilson made his City debut on 13 September 2010 against Aston Villa, despite playing well and making some good passes Wilson seemed to be struggling with the physicality of Villa's midfielders Stiliyan Petrov and Nigel Reo-Coker and was substituted just after half time. He completed his first full 90 minutes against Manchester United on 24 October 2010. His performance earned praise from manager Tony Pulis. "He was smashing. He passed the ball well and looked a quality player, he's one for the future, without a question of doubt". Wilson scored his first goal for City in a 2–0 win away at Blackburn Rovers on 26 December 2010. He then produced man of the match displays against Manchester United and Cardiff City at the beginning of 2011.