Someone will say it, but no Wanyama wouldn’t improve Celtic’s squad

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The Celtic Star

·27 March 2025

Someone will say it, but no Wanyama wouldn’t improve Celtic’s squad

Someone will say it, but no Victor Wanyama wouldn’t improve our squad…

Andres Iniesta (R) of Barcelona reacts as he duels for the ball with Victor Wanyama of Celtic FC during the UEFA Champions League group G match between FC Barcelona and Celtic FC at the Camp Nou stadium on October 23, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

More than a few eyebrows were raised when former Celtic hero Victor Wanyama signed for Dunfermline Athletic late yesterday afternoon.

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The Kenyan signed a short term deal with the Pars as he joined former boss Neil Lennon in Fife after being without a club since January after his time in Canada came to a close.

Someone will utter the phrase ‘he could’ve done a job for Celtic’

It’s clearly a great coup for the championship strugglers and one that should be applauded, but you can bet your life someone will utter the phrase ‘he could’ve done a job for Celtic’. Victor of course might prove that to be the case by spearheading the Dunfermline survival cause but the football is Championship level and there’s quick a gap between that division and the top of the Scottish Premiership.

07.11.2012 Glasgow, Scotland. Victor Wanyama, Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta in action during the Champions League game between Celtic and Barcelona from Celtic Park. Photo Big Lens

Yes we are lacking a physical presence in the middle of the park, the proverbial midfield enforcer so to speak, and Victor Wanyama is renowned for possessing those attributes, but would he be an answer to our shortcomings in that area? No, would be the right answer. Celtic actually need a player like Victor Wanyama but not the man himself. Sadly that ship has sailed.

Victor Wanyama was a fantastic player for Celtic

Victor was a fantastic player for Celtic, that’s not in question. He earned a big money move down south and showed his qualities in the EPL with both Southampton and Spurs. He’s a player with international and top level European experience. He has played in a Champions League final. His pedigree is not in doubt.

But as we know his career has been hampered by injuries, and at 33 his best days are firmly behind him, and he hasn’t kicked a ball in a competitive match for many months. Victor has also been without a club since leaving CF Montreal in January. So to say he’ll be a bit rusty is an understatement.

Wanyama’s goal against Barca

Victor wouldn’t enhance our side, he would ultimately struggle. Indeed he might even find the fast paced frantic Championship a daunting proposition as he bids to regain full fitness. I hope he succeeds, I really do, but could he do a job for Celtic? No chance, those days are sadly gone.

Selected your Old Bhoys XI

Now here’s a challenge for you. Starting with Jota and Kieran Tierney, our two returning heroes, put together a Celtic team from former players who are still playing, using a 4-3-3 formation.

Forster; Frimpong, Ajer, Starfelt, Tierney; Christie, O’Riley, Wanyama; M Johnston, Kyogo, Jota…who could you suggest to improve this team?

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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