A Kenyan's perspective on Victor Wanyama to Manchester City

It's every players dream to have a chance to play for one of the greatest teams in the world and the currently high flying Champions of England are a big attraction.

At age 21, every player thinks of developing his game, get a few caps for the national team and command a starting berth in whatever side he stars for and just all that seems to have gone right for Mr Victor Wanyama.

He plies his trade in the SPL for Celtic FC and has represented his national side the Harambee Stars at the senior level.

I must say I’ve been lucky to have had the chance to watch Victor play and just not play for club but also for the national team.

This guy’s confidence at such a young age and his determination moving forward with the ball is a beauty to watch having in mind, his defensive duties at the middle of the pack.

Forget Stoke City, Liverpool, Newcastle, this is the real deal guys. The team linked is none other than Manchester City, the team that currently lay claim to the title, Premier League champions

Roberto Mancini seems to have an eye for good players and not just an eye, he’s got the financial muscle to get them to the Etihad.

For all the years I’ve watched the Premier League, never in my life have I ever seen a coach from the EPL so much interested in a player from this side of the world like Mancini is.

Though he failed to get the services of his elder brother who now plays for Inter Milan, a deal for Victor would probably soothe his soul. With Gareth Barry struggling for fitness and De Jong looking like he is heading out of the Etihad, Wanyama would probably act as a cover for Yaya Toure.

The Premier League experience

Each player for sure would love to make history and one thing I’m sure of is that Victor is one of them. Kenya having never had a player in the EPL, Wanyama sure would love to be the first ever to grace this big stage.

Finally in the streets of Nairobi, we would don Man City’s jerseys and proudly support one of our own instead of Van Persie, Walcott, Hazard etc.

But what are the realistic chances of him hitting it big at City? What are the chances he’ll get more playing time like he gets now at Celtic? Having had no previous experience in England, would he comfortably settle in into the rigorous league?

Would he be able to command a starting berth at Etihad? Those are just a few of the many questions that linger everyone’s mind when they think of this move.

I’m a half hearted being, I love putting my money where my mouth really is. Gambling though is for the strong hearted, I would go with the easy option of staying for probably one more season at Celtic before he makes his move into the Premier League.

On the other hand, sometimes as a footballer, take your chance when it comes. Come to think of it, what happens when next season, they (Man City) say they now don’t need you?

Opportunity gone, time wasted and age catching up. Plus the state of Scottish football at present may not serve well for his development.

Wisdom is needed at this level. Neil Lennon insists Wanyama is going nowhere but says if a good offer comes through, they would sell the player.

Either way for Celtic, business will not be bad, they shall have made a handsome profit on a player they got for a bargain but on the other hand, getting somebody like Wanyama on a season they venture into Champions League football might be really tricky having in mind Scott Brown and Beram Kayal are struggling at the moment.

Football and time will judge, whether harsh or fair, it’s a close call at both ends.

That said, selling a big name to fund a whole season transfer kitty has been a pretty successful business model for Celtic in recent years and constrained by the financial situation of Scottish football, they scout widely, buy low and sell high.

Final views from one of my twitter followers @mikenjoro – I’d rather be a Celtic Legend than a Premier League flop.

What way will you go Victor? I take a bow

Could Wanyama be a success at City? Should they sign him?

image: © Free-ers