Wanyama - Southampton deal confirmed

[hamstrung_pigeon]

Is it wrong that whenever I see his name I imagine an old Chinese woman shouting it angrily?

Actually, "Wanyama" when pronounced "Wa-nya-ma" means "I'm your grandma" in a Chinese dialect.

 

[gkmacca]

Rooney is getting a hard-on as we speak.

 

[King Binny]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ents-petty-says-angry-Celtic-boss-Lennon.html

Neil Lennon last night hit back at Victor Wanyama’s agents, branding the war of attrition over the midfielder’s Celtic departure petty and unnecessary.

Conceding for the first time that the Kenyan international has played his last game for the club, the Parkhead boss expects the midfielder to go in the next week — but has no idea where he’ll end up.

Celtic have accepted a £12million bid from Southampton. But agent Ivan Modia has rejected the move, accusing Celtic of trying to force the deal through for their own ends.

Cardiff City have bid £10m and are willing to meet Wanyama’s wage demands — but have been refused permission to speak to the player.

‘My own gut feeling is that a deal will get done somewhere along the line,’ said Lennon.

‘It’s been a bit petty and unnecessary in the last couple of days.

‘The kid’s probably feeling stuck in the middle of things. He’s not done anything wrong in our eyes.

‘There is a bit of mud-slinging going on, which we feel is unnecessary. We have done nothing wrong apart from accept a bid from a club for a player we value very highly.

‘It is not up to us regarding a player’s negotiations, personal terms or the agent’s personal terms. But we have done nothing wrong. The club made that pretty clear and I would like to echo that.’

Sportsmail understands there is no prospect of a deal between Wanyama and Southampton being resurrected after a bust-up between the Premier League club and the agents.

With relations now shattered, Cardiff City still hope Celtic will accept an offer of £10m submitted on Monday. The Parkhead club, however, want £12m and Wanyama could still end up rejoining Celtic in Germany on July 4.

‘I spoke to Victor last week,’ added Lennon. ‘Our relationship with Victor is as good as ever. If the deal doesn’t go through, or no other offers come in, we will welcome him back with open arms. There has not been one day when he has said he is unhappy. He is actually very happy here.

‘He is our player. One, we don’t want him to go. Two, if he is going to go, then a club has to match our valuation of the player. That’s what Southampton have done. They have handled things very professionally.’

Celtic fans are bemused that their star player might swap Champions League football for a lower-order Premiership side, but Lennon countered: ‘I think Southampton are a good club. They have made a meteoric rise over the past three years, they had a very good first season back in the Premier League.

‘They’ve built on the foundation that Nigel Adkins had given them in the previous two seasons and they have a progressive young manager in there.

‘They’re a very forward-thinking club. They get big home crowds at most games.

‘It’s a club where you would feel that Victor would play regularly; if he went to a bigger club, that might not be the case. He’s certainly capable of playing at bigger clubs, but I think Southampton is a big club now.

‘It is a bit of a stand-off and you hope that can be resolved in the next week or so.

‘Maybe down the line another club will come in and it might be an enticing offer for the player and his representatives. But the figure is there in black and white. I don’t think the club will be shifting too far from that.’

 

[King Binny]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...iff-make-new-offer-Cetics-Victor-Wanyama.html

Cardiff City have stepped up their attempt to pluck Victor Wanyama away from Celtic by making an improved offer for the sought-after midfielder.

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay remains committed to landing the Kenyan international and has raised the stakes after a bid of £10million was rejected by Peter Lawwell on Monday.

Celtic have already accepted a bid of £12m from Southampton last week but the midfielder’s agents, Rob Moore and Ivan Modia, dismissed the terms on offer and accused the Parkhead club of trying to railroad a deal — with relations between the two parties now strained.

Sportsmail understands Cardiff have already reached an informal agreement with Wanyama’s representatives over their cut and the 22-year-old’s wage demands.

Now the Parkhead side must decide whether to grant permission for formal talks to begin — with Cardiff prepared to alter the structure of the payments to make

 

[LeTallecWiz]

12:39 PM
Oddschanger @Oddschanger
Liverpool are into 2/1 from 10/1 to sign Victor Wanyama with Cardiff the 6/5 favourites -> bit.ly/SkyTransfers #LFC #CCFC

 

[Mystic]

Thats odd.

 

[King Binny]

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/...hampton-favourites-snap-up-12million-2027320?

SOUTHAMPTON last night emerged as favourites to land Victor Wanyama after Cardiff dropped out of the race.

Saints have had a £12million bid accepted for the 22-year-old Celtic midfielder.

And although Wanyama’s advisors rejected the personal terms on offer last month, boss Mauricio Pochettino is confident of persuading the Kenyan to move to St Mary’s.

His hopes were boosted last night when Cardiff decided to walk away after a £10m bid was rejected by Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell.

Pochettino said: “It could happen. We are interested in two or three key players. One is Wanyama and I’m confident our goals will be met.”

 

[King Binny]

JOE LEDLEY reckons Victor Wanyama is so good he could easily walk into one of the top six sides in the English Premier League.

So far, the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham have failed to show interest in the Celtic star – and that baffles his fellow midfielder.

It is only Southampton and Ledley’s old side Cardiff City who have made moves to land the Kenyan powerhouse.

The Welsh international plays alongside Wanyama in the Parkhead engine room.

He insists the Kenyan is top-class and believes a move to England would be “a stroll in the park” for him.

Ledley said: “He’s been great for Celtic, but it looks like he’ll continue his career somewhere else now.

“Anyone who saw him in the Champions League will know how good he is.

“I’m a bit surprised there hasn’t been some top clubs in for him but it’s early days in the transfer window, so he has a lot of time to think about his next move.

“There will always be pressure on Victor going down there, especially with the price tag. But I think it will be a stroll in the park for him in the Premier League. It will suit the way he plays.”

Ledley knew almost immediately after Wanyama’s arrival from Germinal Beerschot in a £900,000 move two years ago that he was a top talent.

He said: “I knew straight away we had a special player on our hands – and now he might even break the Scottish transfer record if he goes.

“You could see how mature he was for his age and how composed on the ball he was. Nothing fazes Victor and it’s been a great honour to play alongside him.

“He can play for a top-six team in the Premier League, easily. It would be great to see him in the Champions League every season and hopefully he can do that.

“He’s got great potential and he can get to a really top club. It would be fantastic to go up against him in the Champions League in the future.”

Manager Neil Lennon wants to use some of the money from Wanyama’s transfer to keep most of his top stars that are out of contract next summer.

 

[kingjulian]

I have a feeling this guy could improve us instantly....

 

[kingjulian]

Rogers seem to think that buying a bunch of softies with good touch and skill will let his team play like Barcelona in the premiership. That could very well be his undoing.

Kenny Dalglish had a obsession for English or British players that cost him his job. This could be Rodgers weakness.... I hope he addresses this...

 

[Ossi]

Rogers seem to think that buying a bunch of softies with good touch and skill will let his team play like Barcelona in the premiership. That could very well be his undoing.

Kenny Dalglish had a obsession for English or British players that cost him his job. This could be Rodgers weakness.... I hope he addresses this...

Seconded. Everyone except Rodgers know that we need some grit in our midfield.

 

[Glen C]

Seconded. Everyone except Rodgers know that we need some grit in our midfield.

His ignorance towards it is shocking. I'd understand a foreign manager who has come over to English football thinking it (like rafa in his first season) but not someone that's always been here. Did he not see how our midfield got beaten up at times last season?

 

[StevieM]

So who are the gritty players in the Utd, City, Chelsea, Arsenal & Spurs midfield that we lack?

 

[Leo]

Good midfielders don't need grit to impose themselves on games.
Ability is the main issue.

 

[Fabio]

The best defensive mids aren't noticed.

Makelele, hamann etc, did what they did quickly and efficiently.

 

[keniget]

It is, but you need a mixture.

Perhaps grit is a bit of a problematic word because people are assuming we need some workhouse battler in midfield and it's not necessarily that.

We need someone who can impose his will on the game like Xabi could (e.g. Fulham, Spurs in the cup) or Gerrard could in his prime (and playing a very different role to the one he's playing now).

We don't have anyone like that at the moment and as a consequence our midfield struggles.

 

[Leo]

Yep.
Basically someone who's not Allen,Henderson or Lucas.

 

[Fabio]

So, as agreed, we need a talented midfielder.

 

[Ossi]

So who are the gritty players in the Utd, City, Chelsea, Arsenal & Spurs midfield that we lack?

First of all: I'm not talking about other teams, I'm talking about Liverpool. But uniteds whole midfield (more or less) has more grit than ours.
City: The grittiest player in the world: Yaya Toure
Spurs: Scott fucking parker even.
Arsenal: I do believe that is exactly what they miss.

 

[Glen C]

First of all: I'm not talking about other teams, I'm talking about Liverpool. But uniteds whole midfield (more or less) has more grit than ours.
City: The grittiest player in the world: Yaya Toure
Spurs: Scott fucking parker even.
Arsenal: I do believe that is exactly what they miss.

you forgot barry for city, mikel and ramires for chelsea and dembele for spurs and now they have paulinho as well.

 

[Fabio]

See, you're mistaking "talent" for grit

 

[Fabio]

Except Mikel. He's about as gritty as silk floating on a pond

 

[King Binny]

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/10530939.Wanyama_would_be__the_perfect_signing_/

Victor Wanyama would represent the “perfect” signing for Saints, according to the club’s former star, Gordon Watson.

Cardiff, who have been Saints’ main opponents for the Celtic midfielder, yesterday ended their pursuit of the player after refusing to match the Scottish side’s asking price.

The Bluebirds had a £10m bid rejected for the 22-year-old, but are adamant they will not go any higher than that, and will only rekindle a deal if the SPL champions lower their valuation.

Saints have already seen a £12m offer accepted for the Kenyan international, but it has been well publicised that talks stalled when personal terms were being discussed.

Despite that, manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed on Thursday that a deal was not yet dead.

However, Saints will only complete the signing if Wanyama’s representatives lower their demands, which the club feel are excessive.

With Cardiff out of the running, barring a change of heart from Celtic at least, Saints’ position in any negotiations has strengthened even further.

Should they complete the signing of Wanyama, who is currently with Celtic on their pre-season training camp in Germany, it will be a move welcomed by Watson.

The ex-Saints forward, who has also worked as a scout, is a big fan of the player and believes he would be an ideal fit in the team.

“I’ve seen a lot of him and he’s perfect,” he said.

“Obviously, I heard that he couldn’t agree terms, but he is the perfect player that we actually need at Southampton.

“He’s big, strong, wins the ball, gives it, turns defence into attack and he gets on the end of things from set pieces.

“Having someone like him in the middle of the park would probably free up Morgan (Schneiderlin) to do a bit more damage in the final third.”

Wanyama moved to Celtic two years ago for £900,000 from Belgium side Beerschot AC, where he made his breakthrough as a professional.

Since joining the Glasgow giants he has made 91 appearances in two seasons, scoring 13 goals and winning two SPL titles, as well as the division’s young player of the year award.

Wanyama has also been capped 25 times for Kenya and is now captain of his country.

 

[King Binny]

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?art...=victor-wanyama-i-hustled-big-time-to-make-it

His prowess in the field is simply impressive, but equally remarkable is his journey to football stardom. Victor Wanyama opens up to about the hustling he went through to make a name internationally, matters of the heart and his future plans

Many people know you as a talented footballer, but who really is Victor Wanyama?

I am a simple, goal-oriented, friendly and God-fearing man. I also love to give back to society, especially children.

Tell us something about your family.

My mum and dad are businessmen, something they have done since my siblings and I were young. I have eight siblings three sisters and five brothers. I am the third born child.

How was your childhood?

I was an ordinary child who played cha baba na cha mama like all the rest. Because my parents were not well off, I passed through a lot of hardship growing up. I was chased home for school fees and sometimes we had to go without food for days. I started hustling when I was young because of this harsh experience.

Tell us about your educational background.

I went to St Peters Claver Primary School, which is located on Race Course Road, then joined Kamukunji High School where I played in the football team.

When did your passion for football start?

My love for the game began when I was seven years old. I was in Class One. At that tender age, I was selected to represent Nairobi in some major tournament where I gave it my all and we won.

When I joined Kamukunji High School, I honed my skills further and represented my school team in major inter-school tournaments.

What are some of the challenges you faced as a young footballer before you were finally discovered.

People see me now and assume that I just landed and got a lucrative deal with big clubs. Far from it. It has been difficult to say the least. I have hustled in football to be where I am. There were days I had to walk for several kilometres because I had no bus fare to go for a match in which I was scheduled to play. I did not have football shoes and had to play in torn ones. Most of the times I played football the African way or in sheng we say mguu chuma (without shoes). I also played with a juala (make-shift) ball while in the mtaa (estate).

How did you get your major breakthrough?

I must admit that it is God who opened this major door in my life. The man who spotted my talent is Amigo, although he passed on a few years back.

After high school, he helped me join JMJ Academy and City Stars where my talent was discovered. City Stars nurtured my talent locally, while JMJ Academy taught me professional football.

How does it feel to play for big names like Celtic?

It is a big honour. I feel humbled, honoured and I am truly grateful to God.

You are such an awesome midfielder, what is the secret to your prowess in the field?

There is no secret to greatness in the field except hard work, lots of training and concentration in the game.

Last week, the Nairobian our sister paper listed you among the most desirable men in Kenya, how does that make you feel?

When I saw the story at first I just laughed. I said, “Me, really, I am just an ordinary Kenyan.

But I thank God that women appreciate my talent.

Are you dating?

Ha ha ha... I cannot comment on that for now. Yes, rumours have been circulating, especially in social media and entertainment magazines that I am dating a certain lady. Let’s just say I am happy where I am right now in my social life.

What do you look for in an ideal woman?

She must be disciplined, respectful, God-fearing, ambitious and know how to cook. I mean the way to a man’s heart is through the tummy!

When it comes to dating, where do you think the Kenyan women get it wrong?

I have noticed that some of them lie a lot just to make an impression on a man. They give you a false impression and present a fake side of themselves and pretend a lot to score points with a man. But they should just be real and present their true side.

Where do the Kenyan women get it wrong when it comes to fashion?

Many of them love to show a lot of flesh because they assume that that is what men love. But on the contrary, men love decent women. I mean you do not have to expose everything to score it with a man.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I would want to have settled down with a nice mama who will give me some adorable kids. I love family.

Which footballer do you look up to locally and internationally, and why?

Locally, I watch every player. Each player has something I can learn. But internationally I like Essien, Cristiano Ronaldo and Obi Mikel.

What would you tell young footballers who want to be like Wanyama one day?

They should put God first in everything they do. They also need to embrace values like discipline, focus, hard work and on a light note, they should eat lots of bread with Blueband. Ha ha!

What do you think is ailing Kenyan football?

Poor management and politics. What we need is to revamp the whole thing and put in place proper structures. We have great talent in Kenya that is yet to be discovered.

What do you do when not playing professional football?

I am a real estate investor. I also love to play pool with my buddies. But my greatest passion is visiting children’s homes where I share goodies with them and we play together. I do that every month as long as I am in

 

[Glen C]

See, you're mistaking "talent" for grit

I wouldn't say grit is a necessity, just someone that can impose himself in midfield like yaya toure, xabi, modric, fellani, dembele. Only gerrard does that for us currently.

 

[Spionkop69]

First of all: I'm not talking about other teams, I'm talking about Liverpool. But uniteds whole midfield (more or less) has more grit than ours.
City: The grittiest player in the world: Yaya Toure
Spurs: Scott fucking parker even.
Arsenal: I do believe that is exactly what they miss.

Spot on. Put Carrick in there for Utd or Scholes even.

 

[King Binny]

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/...ctor-wanyama-meets-southampton-today-2044032?

VICTOR WANYAMA was due in London last night to seal his £12.5million move from Celtic to Southampton.

The Kenyan star left the Hoops’ training base in Munich after saying his goodbyes to team-mates and coaching staff.

And he will meet up with representatives of the English club today to thrash out the record-breaking deal – the highest fee ever received by a Scottish club.

The Celtic midfielder hasn’t kicked a ball on the club’s pre-season tour of Germany as boss Neil Lennon looked to cash in on a player he paid just £900,000 for two years ago.

Wanyama will now hook up with Saints gaffer Mauricio Pochettino and his squad as they prepare for the new Premier League campaign.

While Lennon will be forced to find a replacement for the 22-year-old just six days before Celtic’s first Champions League qualifier against Cliftonville, Wanyama’s switch to Southampton was heralded in his homeland by Kenyan FA president Sam Nyamweya.

He said: “As a Federation we are extremely thrilled with this move by Victor who has continued to be Kenya’s football ambassador due to his exploits on the pitch.

“He has always honoured his call-up and every Kenyan should be proud of this move.

“Victor has been a role model to upcoming youngsters in the game and we encourage them to emulate him.”

 

[Rosco]

You would think this is a deal we could do quite easily of we wanted to

 

[eecheerow]

You would think this is a deal we could do quite easily of we wanted to

Spot on.

 

[Rosco]

"It feels great and I am happy to be here," Wanyama told the club's official website, www.saintsfc.co.uk.

"Finally it has happened and we've come to the end [of negotiations], so I am delighted. There were other options, but Southampton is a club with ambitions so I chose to came here.

"Southampton is a good club and it has good players, so I just want to train hard and work hard to be a part of the starting XI. We'll see where that will take me.

"I'm very grateful to be here and I'm looking forward to playing in the Premier League.

"I've seen that the stadium is great and the dressing room is looking good, and I know some of the players. I hope they will help me and I think I will get along with the others, so it will be good. I am happy to be a part of Southampton's squad. It means a lot because because it has been my dream to play in the Premier League and now I am here."