Victor Wanyama has pledged his loyalty to Tottenham, vowing to stay at the club amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.
In an interview with Goal, Victor Wanyama has vowed to honour his contract with Tottenham, insisting that he is not leaving the club in the summer transfer window. The Kenyan midfielder is being tailed by Liverpool and Manchester United over a possible move.
Wanyama joined Tottenham from Southampton in the summer of 2016, reuniting with Mauricio Pochettino, who had also brought him to St. Mary’s in 2013. The Kenyan international had enjoyed a fine maiden campaign with the North Londoners, playing a key role as Spurs finished second last season.
But, the 2017-18 season was one to forget as a knee injury forced him to miss a major chunk of the campaign. By the time he made his comeback, Wanyama faced an uphill battle to reclaim his place, with Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier the firm first-choice midfield pairing, and even Harry Winks ahead of him in the pecking order.
As a result, Wanyama made just 24 appearances across all competitions, and there were rumours that he was unsettled at Tottenham. His speculated position piqued the interest of Liverpool and Manchester United, who are reportedly in the market for a midfielder this summer.
Liverpool have been one of the most eye catching sides in Europe this season, but there are gaping holes in midfield and defence that need plugging. Jurgen Klopp is set to add Naby Keita to his squad in the summer, but the Reds still miss a defensive midfielder who could tighten things in the middle of the park and give the front men even more of a license to attack, justifying the interest in Wanyama.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are set to lose Michael Carrick, with Fred touted to be on his way in to Old Trafford in his stead. But, with the departure of Marouane Fellaini looming large, Jose Mourinho might be forced back into the transfer market for another midfielder, making Wanyama a viable target.
However, Wanyama has now gone on to hand Liverpool and Manchester United a bitter blow in their pursuit, pledging his loyalty to Tottenham while adding that he intends to reclaim his spot in the first-team setup and spur the side on to achieve more success.
“I don’t respond to rumours and all those are rumours to me, I still have a contract with Spurs and that is what I want to see through. I did not have a good season with the team because of injury and my aim now is to work hard during this break and return for next season even stronger and help them perform even better.”
“I am happy at Tottenham and I am committed to the team. I am not aware of anything and I am very fine and happy where I am.”
It is clear from Wanyama’s words that he is not headed anywhere, with Tottenham set to keep hold of the Kenyan. As far as Liverpool and Manchester United are concerned, the two rivals will have to turn their attentions elsewhere in their bid to sign a midfielder this summer.
