Is Victor Wanyama’s time at Tottenham coming to an end?
This is the question troubling football faithful who follow the Harambee Stars captain following the reinforcement of the Spurs midfield in the just-ended English transfer window.
Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray are reportedly interested in signing Wanyama before the end of their transfer window on August 31st.
Wanyama has fallen further down Mauricio Pochettino’s pecking order after the club’s acquisition of Tanguy Ndombele and Giovanni Lo Celso, which has led to a flurry of speculation about an impending exit.
With the English transfer window now shut, it is impossible for the Wanyama to move to another team in the Premier League.
According to Fanatik, Galatasaray officials travelled to London on Tuesday, August 13 to speak with Tottenham regarding Wanyama's possible move to the Istanbul-based side.
After these reports emerged, fans took to social media to urge the Spurs authorities to let the midfielder leave. Here are some responses from fans captured by Game Yetu:
Let him go we have skipp, wanyama just can't stay fit anymore
— Musa 2??8?????????????? (@Musathfc28) August 12, 2019
Tbh injuries have really put a dampener on his career with us. Absolute superb 1st season but it was all down hill from there. If he could get over his injuries then I would keep him as a back up player. But if he does leave then I wish him all the best in his career — Paul Betts (@itsbettsy) August 12, 2019
He’s done a lot of good for us, let him go before that gets overshadowed. Could barely move end of last season — Jordan (@Jordan_Forbes7) August 12, 2019
We seem to be a graveyard for eold class DFCMs...Palacios, Sandro, now Victor. They were all beasts until they lost it. Victor was unbelievable 3 years ago, he's definitely a sell now though — Mr.Maxi.Psycho (@Maxipsycho) August 12, 2019
It's not clear whether the discussed move was a permanent one or a loan deal, as Pochettino looks to recoup a decent fee for the Kenyan.
Tottenham are also said to be interested in Chelsea's Tiemoue Bakayoko in an attempt to reinforce their midfield ahead of the 2019-20 season.
Wanyama has had an up and down season under Pochettino at Spurs, having to compete with top quality midfielders to secure a spot in the Argentinian's starting eleven.
His career since he joined Spurs has also been marred by bursts of nagging injuries, which have kept the midfielder out of action in crucial parts of the season.
His latest injury saw him miss the club's trip to Germany for the team's Audi Cup clash against Real Madrid. According to Spurs official website, Wanyama reported irritation in his knee after training and remained in Enfield (in London) to be assessed.
"Injury updates: Eric Dier, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Ben Davies are continuing their rehabilitation, while Victor Wanyama reported irritation in his knee after training today and has remained in Enfield to be assessed," read part of the club's statement.
Back home, Wanyama has been the talk of town after suing an oil refinery company for violating his image rights.
Wanyama accused Menengai Oil Refineries Ltd of illegally using his photos to promote their products during AFCON held in Egypt last month.
"I did not consent to my image being used by the company. Even after I sent them an official complain, they still use my https://cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images on their website and online advertisements which is disturbing since I have a contract with other companies. The wording of their caption alongside my image created the impression that I am the official brand ambassador of their company. I wish to categorically state that I did not consent to the use of my https://cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images," Wanyama told court.