Tottenham completes Wanyama coup from Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur has unveiled the signing of Victor Wanyama from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.
We are delighted to announce that we have completed the transfer of @VictorWanyama from Southampton. #WelcomeWanyama pic.twitter.com/kLbVoNv4Vw
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 23, 2016
The Kenyan has agreed a contract until 2021 in north London for a reported £11 million, ending a three-year stay on the south coast to reunite with former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Wanyama handed in a transfer request last summer amid alleged interest from Tottenham, but then-manager Ronald Koeman didn't allow the midfielder out the exit door as relations between the two clubs' hierarchies became apparently strained. Despite this, Wanyama has gotten his wish a year later.
"I want to reassure you that any 'quotes' you have read about in the media before my move was announced are false. I would never disrespect you by talking to the media before I have talked to you guys," Wanyama said in an open letter to Southampton fans.
"It took a while for me to win you all over but I can truly say that with your support and affection I have grown as a player and a person."
The 24-year-old will compete for a starting XI berth in a Spurs midfield that's already awash with talent. Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele were sublime for much of the 2015-16 season's ill-fated charge for the title, while Dele Alli emerged as one of the greatest English talents of his generation, picking up the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Forward-thinking midfielders Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela, and Nacer Chadli also enjoyed greater consistency under the management of Pochettino.
Wanyama should be in contention for his competitive Spurs debut when they travel to Everton on the weekend of Aug. 13.