Tottenham confirm signing of £11.5million Victor Wanyama from Southampton
Kenyan joins Spurs from St Mary's and will re-join Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have confirmed the signing of Victor Wanyama from Southampton.
Kenya international Wanyama has signed a deal with the North London club until 2021 - and will be back at a club that plays Champions League football for the first time since he left Celtic.
Wanyama will also be working again with former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino, who left the South Coast for Spurs in 2014 and the deal could reach almost £12million if clauses are met.
Spurs first expressed an interest in Wanyama last summer but Saints held firm and were rewarded, as Wanyama played a key role in leading the team to a sixth-placed finish.
The Kenyan, who had just one year to run on his contract at St Mary's, made 85 league appearances for the south-coast club, scoring four goals.
Related Articles
Pochettino has been eager to boost his options in midfield with Tottenham hoping to balance Champions League football with another title challenge next season.
The Argentinian is also eager to bring an extra forward to provide cover for Harry Kane but Spurs are yet to follow up talks with AZ Alkmaar striker Vincent Janssen.
Janssen visited Tottenham's training ground two weeks ago and spoke to the club about his future but Tottenham have not submitted an official bid.
The Dutch striker is currently on holiday in Barcelona and has also held talks with German club Wolfsburg, although a move to Spurs remains the 22-year-old's preferred choice.
Wanyama expressed his delight to the Kenyan media at his move to Spurs after passing his medical.
He said: “I am indeed elated at passing my medicals at Tottenham.
“It is a new dawn in my career and I believe I will give my best for my new team.
“I want to thank Southampton’s management and fans for the exceptional time we had together. I will always have a fond place for them in my heart.”
And in a heartfelt statement to Saints fans, Wanyama singled out Jose Fonte and the supporters for praise.
He added: "You guys have always been there to lift us up when we were down, and to celebrate with us when we were playing well. I feel really proud that I got the opportunity to wear the Southampton shirt.
"Football is a team sport and it wouldn’t be right not to thank my amazing teammates. Jose, thanks for leading the team and always being there to pick us up when we needed encouragement.
"Thanks to the rest of the team for always giving 100 per cent effort, I will miss all of you."