Why Victor Wanyama would be a massive signing for Celtic
Celtic are looking for a ninth straight Scottish Premiership title this season, with Neil Lennon’s side separated by a single goal after Celtic’s 2-0 home victory over Motherwell was duplicated by Rangers at Livingston before the international break.
The Hoops have started the season very well, winning 10 and losing just once in 12 league games so far. They also pulled a rabbit out of the hat by beating Lazio in the Europa League – the first time a Celtic side has ever beaten an Italian opposition in Italy.
With the title race as tight as it currently is, Lennon’s side will have to rise for the big challenges as the season progresses. If Lennon is to continue the feel-good factor heading into the winter break, he’ll need to make a couple of additions in January.
While signing a back-up striker for Odsonne Edouard should be made a priority, the Hoops must also spend the cash on a new midfielder. Lennon has relied heavily upon Callum McGregor and skipper Scott Brown in central midfield but there’s a risk of the duo burning out.
Celtic need a midfielder who can instantly compete with McGregor and Brown for a starting position. The Northern Irish tactician has some other options in the midfield, but an injury to either McGregor or Brown would leave Celtic light in such a key position.
According to a report from The Times, Victor Wanyama could become an option for Celtic in January as he’s been transfer listed by Tottenham Hotspur.
Victor Wanyama, 28, was close to joining Club Brugge in the summer, but a deal collapsed and he remained at Tottenham. Lennon wanted to bring him back to Celtic on loan in the summer as well. (h/t The Daily Record)
The Kenya skipper has fallen out of favour at Tottenham in recent months, with just three appearances and 24 minutes of Premier League football under his belt.
He’s been frozen out, although the defensive midfielder has a contract with Spurs until 2021. With the £11m Tottenham star not being a first-team starter anymore under Mauricio Pochettino, Celtic must reignite their interest and look to re-sign him in January.
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Wanyama spent two seasons at Parkhead after joining from Beershot AC in 2011, winning two Championship titles and a Scottish Cup. So he knows what it takes to compete at Celtic and could walk straight into Lennon’s starting XI if a move goes through.
He’s a no-nonsense defensive midfielder who never hesitates to stick his leg out to stop the opponents’ advances and could make an instant impact at Celtic.
Verdict
Wanyama is a quality player with solid experience under his belt. Signing him on loan in January should make sense for Lennon as the Kenyan would be ideal to cover and compete with Brown and McGregor in Celtic’s midfield.
