Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Southampton’s defensive midfielder Victor Wanyama on a five-year deal.
The move reunites the hard-tackling Kenyan with former Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine who took over at White Hart Lane in May 2014, as Spurs’ first signing of the close season.
The 24-year-old Kenyan captain, had 12 months left on his deal at St. Mary’s Stadium but opted not to extend the same and instead joined Spurs on a five-year contract in a move worth just over £13.5 million to become the club’s first new signing ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.
Moments after completing the switch, he took to social media to thank Southampton for giving him the chance to play in the top league.
“I write to you with a heavy heart to announce that I will be leaving Southampton Football Club. As you can imagine it is very emotional for me to say goodbye to the club that gave me the chance to be the first Kenyan to play in Premier League.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the most important part of every club, the fans. I want to reassure you that any “quotes” you have read about in the media before my move was announced are false. I would never disrespect you by talking to the media before I have talked to you guys.
“It took a while for me to win you all over but I can truly say that with your support and affection I have grown as a player and a person. 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.” He said.
Wanyama, who was sent off three times in the Premier League last season, made 97 appearances in his three years at Southampton and will now have the opportunity to play Champions League football at Spurs.
Tottenham finished third in the top flight last season to ensure they will automatically qualify for the group stages of Europe’s elite club competition.
Southampton finished sixth to seal a Europa League berth, but are still without a manager after Ronald Koeman elected to join Everton.
He helped Southampton to sixth place last season under Ronald Koeman, who has since taken over as Everton manager.
However, Victor had asked to leave last year after Tottenham first expressed an interest, but stayed on at St Mary’s.