Victor Wanyama has officially signed with Dunfermline Athletic, marking a significant return to Scottish football and a reunion with his former Celtic manager Neil Lennon. The 33-year-old midfielder has agreed to a short-term contract that will last until the end of the current season, pending international clearance.
Wanyama's move, confirmed on March 26, 2025, comes just days after Lennon took the helm at East End Park, where he aims to steer the club away from relegation in the Scottish Championship. The Kenyan international previously played under Lennon at Celtic from 2011 to 2013, where he made a lasting impact, including a memorable goal in a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
During his tenure at Celtic, Wanyama made 91 appearances and scored 13 goals, helping the team secure back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles and the Scottish Cup. His performances earned him a move to Southampton in 2013 for a record fee of £12.5 million, which was the highest transfer fee for a Scottish player at the time. Wanyama went on to play for Tottenham Hotspur, where he was part of the squad that reached the Champions League final in 2019.
After leaving Tottenham in 2020, he joined CF Montreal in Major League Soccer, where he made over 140 appearances before becoming a free agent in January 2025. His last game for Montreal was in July 2024, and since then, he had been without a club.
Now, Wanyama is set to make his debut for Dunfermline on March 29, 2025, against Ayr United, managed by his former Celtic teammate Scott Brown. This match is crucial for Dunfermline, who are currently second-bottom in the Championship, six points clear of automatic relegation but only two points behind Hamilton Academical as they fight to avoid the relegation playoffs.
Wanyama's signing is seen as a major coup for Lennon, who expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. "Last week, we had a lot of conversations between myself, the chairman, and the owner. They made a very compelling argument for taking the job," Lennon stated. He emphasized the importance of aligning with the club's aspirations for the future.
As Dunfermline's first signing under Lennon, Wanyama brings a wealth of experience and skill that could prove invaluable in their battle to retain their Championship status. His physical presence and leadership on the field are expected to bolster a squad that has struggled in recent weeks.
Wanyama's career has been marked by significant achievements, including being the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League and earning 64 caps for his national team, where he captained Kenya during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
With seven games remaining in the season, every match is critical for Dunfermline as they aim to secure their place in the Championship. Wanyama's return to Scotland is not just a personal milestone but a potential turning point for the club as they seek to avoid relegation.
As the countdown to his debut begins, fans are hopeful that Wanyama's experience and talent will inspire a much-needed turnaround for the Pars in their fight for survival in the league.
