Some Celtic fans have made it clear that they will be very happy to see Tottenham Hotspur star Victor Wanyama return to Celtic Park in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Hoops have recently drawn links with the Kenyan midfielder, with the Guardian claiming that the club could yet opt to seal a return for their former player in January.
They claim that it is likely to be an initial loan deal, but the experienced Jonny Hayes could be heading out of Parkhead as Huddersfield Town are keen on the versatile man.
Some Celtic fans though, are happy with the links and can’t wait to see him back on the temporary deal.
| #CelticFC have been linked with an ‘initial’ loan move for #THFC‘s Victor Wanyama.
Would you like to see him return to the club?
https://t.co/cZXN9WFRDI pic.twitter.com/gUpUrTZ5gD
— Read Celtic (@ReadCeltic) November 19, 2019
Be great too see @VictorWanyama back at @CelticFC he is a Rock in Midfield and is wasted at spurs! Be a brilliant addition to the team #BringVicHome
— @CiaránShev (@CiaranShevlin) November 19, 2019
McGregor Wanyama Christie
Absolutely without a doubt!
— LouMun 67 (@lfmunro) November 19, 2019
Would be a sensational signing.. pic.twitter.com/RMH1nnotuT
— Brother James docherty 42 (@Jdoc74Jim) November 19, 2019
Bring him back 100%
— James Murphy (@JamesMurphy1976) November 19, 2019
No brainer…… can’t see it materialising though tbh.
Would love it to happen.
I believe that would be a season winning signing, big man would absolutely stroll it and steamroll any opponent who tried to challenge him
— Honest Paul (@FaddyWaddy1) November 20, 2019
Wanyama had left Celtic in the summer of 2013 when he had joined Southampton for a fee of £12.5million. After a spell under Mauricio Pochettino at St.Mary’s, he joined the Argentine at Tottenham in summer of 2016 for a fee of £11million.
At Spurs, Wanyama impressed in Tottenham’s 2016-17 Premier League campaign. Playing alongside Mousa Dembele, the Kenyan helped Spurs finish as high as second in the league that season. He played 47 times in all competitions for the club that season.
Over time, fitness issues have cropped up for Wanyama. Since the 2017-18 season, he has missed 48 games in total due to injuries. Last season, he could make only 22 appearances in all competitions for the Lilywhites. This season, he has played only three times and didn’t make a single start under former boss Pochettino.
Some Celtic fans believe that Pochettino’s Spurs departure will help Celtic get the move done.
Pochettino’s just been sacked so could have an impact on whether he leaves Spurs.
— Mark Nicholas (@MarkJNicholas) November 19, 2019
ABSOLUTELY
— 67 Heaven (@67_heaven) November 19, 2019
Pochettino was sacked by Spurs last night and it was confirmed earlier today that former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is their new manager (per Sky Sports).
What do we think?
It is fair to say that a loan deal for Wanyama will help Celtic improve their depth in the defensive midfield. He adds more brute force and strength to that area than Neil Lennon currently has.
But with Mourinho now in-charge at Spurs, things can change. Mourinho has always had a preference for players in the Wanyama mould. Those like Nemanja Matic, Esteban Cambiasso and Claude Makelele have thrived under the Portuguese. Things can still change and it remains to be seen.