Following a crazy whirlwind that was the summer transfer window, Southampton FC defensive midfielder Victor Wanyama failed in his efforts to secure a move away from St. Mary’s with both Arsenal and Tottenham interested in the Kenyan.
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However, though failing to force through a transfer, Victor Wanyama has assured everyone at Southampton that he is fully focused on helping the Saints succeed this season. Southampton FC is attempting to once again qualify for the Europa League from the Premier League this season.
The Kenyan was left out of the Saints previous match against Norwich City. Saints manager Ronald Koeman stated after the club’s 3-0 win over the Canaries that Victor Wanyama was not “mentally and physically good enough to play”.
Following the closure of the transfer window, Southampton FC are now interested in extending the Kenyan’s contract with the club. In fact, the Saints have already talked to Victor Wanyama about signing another five-year contract with the South Coast based club.
The transfer saga has almost certainly taken it’s tole on the defensive midfielder. However, Victor Wanyama has assured Southampton and it’s supporters that he full focused on helping the Saints to succeed this season.
"“I will fully concentrate on Southampton since I have a contract with them running. I’m still a Southampton player and I will give my best when I go back and hopefully, we will win more games.”"
Southampton FC sold both Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne this past summer, one year after also selling Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers, and Dejan Lovren. The refusal to sell Victor Wanyama was more of a necessity for the Saints than a choice.
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Losing another star player with not time to find a suitable replacement in the defensive midfield would likely have ended the Saints run at a second consecutive qualification for the Europa League, something manager Ronald Koeman has made one of his main goals for the campaign.
Southampton executive Les Reed has stated his desire to resign Victor Wanyama on a contract extension. However, the chances of this happening following the Kenyan’s transfer demands this past summer.
"“We’d like to tie him down for another five years. Whether that’s possible or not, I don’t know, but the opportunity is there to do that.”"
While I doubt the Saints chances of signing Victor Wanyama to a contract extension, Southampton FC have done well this far to fend off interest from Tottenham and Arsenal. Though, I expect that both London based clubs will be back at the bidding table this January when this situation once again takes flight.
Next: Can Swansea City Qualify for Europe
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