How Dunfermline beat off significant interest in Victor Wanyama | OneFootball

Dunfermline Athletic successfully resisted attempts from other clubs to sign Victor Wanyama thanks to Neil Lennon’s relationship with the former Celtic midfielder…

Former Celtic star Victor Wanyama joins Dunfermline Athletic. Photo Dunfermline FC

Dunfermline made national headlines with their new signing

The Fife side, now led by Celtic legend Neil Lennon, revealed the short-term signing of Kenya international Victor Wanyama until the end of the season—a deal that grabbed national headlines upon its announcement.

The  33-year-old had been without a club since departing CF Montreal in January, despite attracting plenty of interest.

Numerous clubs in England and abroad were keen on signing the former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, but it appears that Neil Lennon’s appointment at Dunfermline played a key role in the veteran’s decision.

In a statement posted on Dunfermline Athletiic’s official website, his new club said: “DAFC are delighted to announce the signing of Kenyan international, Victor Wanyama, on a deal until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.”

Wanyama made 64 appearances for Kenya

“The 33-year-old defensive midfielder has had a decorated career, playing for clubs such as Celtic, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and most recently, CF Montreal.”

Gary Hooper of Celtic celebrates with Giorgios Samaras and Victor Wanyama after scoring during the UEFA Champions League Play Off Round between Celtic and Helsingborgs IF, at Celtic Park on August 29, 2012. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

“Wanyama made 64 appearances for Kenya, captaining the country at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, before retiring from international football in 2021.”

“At Celtic, Wanyama quickly became a cult hero with his impressive performances for new manager, Neil Lennon’s side. Besides winning two league titles, Wanyama’s stock rose when he scored against Barcelona in the Champions League as Celtic pulled off a 2-1 win back in 2012.

“At the end of that season, Wanyama joined Premier League club Southampton for £12.5 million, making history as the first Kenyan in the English topflight.”

Victor Wanyama celebrates during Celtic’s win over Dundee United at Celtic Park on 22 January 2013. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“Following a spell at the Saints, he joined Tottenham Hotspur, reuniting with his former manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Victor was part of the squad that made the Champions League final for Spurs back in 2019.”

“Victor joins the Pars after leaving Montreal in January. Welcome to the Pars Victor!”

Victor Wanyama held a media conference at Dunfermline yesterday…

“I spoke to the manager and of course the manager has done a lot in my career, played a big part in my career.  He asked me to come and help him out and I said, you know, why not? He’s played a big part in my career. So I said I would come down and give him a hand and also spoke to the owner, he is very ambitious. When he told me what he wants and what is his intention is for the club, then it was a no-brainer. Then I said, okay, I’ll come and do it,” Victor Wanyama.

“I understand Scottish football and there’s not much of a change. I will adjust with whatever is thrown my way.  I had some other places to go but once Neil phoned me then I couldn’t think of anything else. Also, as I said, speaking to the owner, meeting the owner and what the intentions are for the club’s future. He’s very passionate about the game and he wants to take the club to the next level so I had to just buy it in and come and join. I’m looking forward to getting it started this week.”

Victor Wanyama ất East End Park Dunfermline as he meets the media after signing for the Championship side. Photo Dunfermline Athletic FC

“I played here before and I always say the people in Scotland are nice people and welcoming. It’s one of my favourite countries to live in. Nice people, always people working with smiles. My wish was to come back one day and play here again, maybe even to live here,” Victor Wanyama said.

The Birthday Bhoys

Neil Lennon, coach of Celtic, is lifted by Scott Brown and Victor Wanyama after victory in the Premier League match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on May 13, 2012. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The powerful midfielder could make his debut for his new club this Saturday against Ayr United, who are managed by his former teammate Scott Brown. Fun fact here is that Neil Lennon, Victor Wanyama and Scott Brown all share the same birthday!

It’s fair to say all eyes will be on Somerset Park this weekend as three of Celtic’s former midfielders all collide. Scottish football has a weird and wonderful way of throwing up extraordinary storylines.

Conor Spence

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image to join.

More Stories / Latest News

How Dunfermline beat off significant interest in Victor Wanyama

Mar 28 2025, 9:51

“I like Kasper a lot, but he cost us a lot of goals in Portugal,” Nicklas Bendtner

Mar 28 2025, 9:06

“I’ll continue to be grateful to Celtic,” Luis Palma

Mar 28 2025, 8:21