A late move to bring Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama back to Celtic will not happen, according to STV journalist Ronnie Charters.
The Daily Record had previously reported that Tottenham would consider a loan move for Wanyama if he wasn’t sold in a permanent deal.
That was looking less likely on Monday, with Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur saying that Wanyama wouldn’t be moving to Club Brugge who “have signed Eder Balanta instead”.
No Victor Wanyama for Club Brugge. They have signed Eder Balanta instead. #thfc pic.twitter.com/U5ADP13d3V
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) September 2, 2019
However, Charters tweeted on Monday morning saying, “STV understands Victor Wanyama won’t be returning to Celtic”.
STV understands Victor Wanyama won't be returning to Celtic.
— Ronnie Charters (@STVRonnie) September 2, 2019
Wanyama joined Celtic from Beerschot AC for a fee of around £1m in 2011 before being sold to Southampton for £13m two years later. He has two years remaining on his current contract in north London.
Terrace talk
Plenty of Celtic fans were desperate for this to happen and look set to be disappointed.
One fan said it would even top the 2-0 Old Firm win over Rangers on Sunday and exhorted the club to “Get it done!”
Only thing that will top yesterday is bring Wanyama home today! Get it done Celtic!
— Scott Williamson (@scottw1985) September 2, 2019
Another fan said that he would “never complain again about the Celtic board” if Wanyama did sign.
https://twitter.com/KingHenrik4/status/1168443716610269184
TiF Tactics – What would Wanyama add?
Wanyama was a mainstay in midfield when he first arrived at Tottenham and he forged a brilliant partnership with Mousa Dembele in the middle of Pochettino’s midfield.
However, he suffered with injuries and only made four starts last season, and is yet to feature for Pochettino in this campaign.
What he could add to Celtic is obvious, though. According to stats site WyScout, Wanyama makes 4.31 interceptions every 90 minutes along with 1.31 clearances.
Over the past four seasons, he boasts an 87.8% pass success rate across all competitions and completes over 58% of his long passes.
He would have been a significant addition for Neil Lennon but it doesn’t look like a return to Parkhead is on the cards today.