Mauricio Pochettino is keen to reintegrate Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama back into his plans, according to Football Insider.
The Kenyan international has been on the periphery of the Spurs squad in recent times, and it is understood that he angered Daniel Levy last week by pulling out of a deal to join Belgian side Club Brugges at the last minute, also according to Football Insider.
But now that he is set to stay in north London, the report suggests that his manager is willing to offer him an olive branch in an attempt to get him back on side, at least until the January transfer window, when he could the subject of exit speculation once again.
What will Wanyama offer Spurs?
If we’re being frank, probably cover and very little else.
Spurs seem pretty well-staffed in the centre of the park, with Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko, and arguably even Oliver Skipp ahead of Wanyama in the pecking order.
But Pochettino will be fully aware of how long and arduous a campaign fought on multiple fronts can be, and while he will be hoping that he doesn’t have to call on Wanyama at any stage, he will know that it would be far better to have him as an option than not.
Let’s not forget either that the Kenyan can be a really useful asset on his day.
It’s been a little while since he had a full, uninterrupted season in the Spurs side, but back in 2016/17, when he played 36 times in the Premier League, he managed 2.5 tackles and 1.9 clearances per match, as per Whoscored, as well as a pass completion rate of 87.5%.
The Kenyan is a tidy player when he gets going, as well as a fearsome midfield battler, and there’s nothing to suggest that he can’t still be useful if and when he is needed.
Is he likely to leave in January?
Given how close he reportedly was to leaving last week, it would take something pretty Herculean for Wanyama to turn the tables on his Spurs fate.
There’s a big difference between him filling in every now and again between now and the winter window, and him resurrecting his career in north London entirely.
Not withstanding an extraordinary run of events, don’t be surprised to see Wanyama heading for the exit in January.