Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has ranked ex-Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama among the best signings of his managerial career.He singled Wanyama, along with Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk as some of the best talents he acquired and worked with during his two stints at the Glasgow club.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsSpeaking on Open Goal with Simon Ferry, Lennon reflected on the standout players he recruited during a career spanning over 15 years.##NAJAVA_MECA_8982895##He singled out van Dijk, whom he signed from FC Groningen, and who later blossomed into a global defensive powerhouse, as his top acquisition.Yet he was quick to point out that Wanyama, too, was a significant part of his managerial success.“Victor Wanyama was good, Gary Hooper was brilliant, as was Fraser Forster. Jeremie Frimpong, I got him for £250k and now he has signed for Liverpool for £30 million,” Lennon recounted.Wanyama joined Celtic in 2011 from Belgian side Germinal Beerschot, becoming Lennon’s third summer signing that year.A look into Kasarani Stadium’s newly refurbished VVIP lounge [VIDEO]Though originally brought in to reinforce central defence, Wanyama’s dominance in midfield quickly made him indispensable.His physicality, technical ability, and tactical intelligence elevated Celtic’s play, especially in European competitions.Lennon was instrumental in securing the Kenyan’s move to Scotland, even aiding in the successful appeal for a UK work permit.Wanyama’s initial application had been rejected because Kenya was ranked outside FIFA’s top 75, then positioned 130.But Lennon made a personal plea via conference call from Australia to a Scottish FA committee, which resulted in the approval of the move.##NAJAVA_MECA_8984864##Their bond has endured beyond Celtic.In March 2025, Wanyama made a surprise return to Scottish football, signing for Dunfermline Athletic following a direct request from Lennon.At his unveiling, Wanyama described the move as “a fairy tale” and said the decision to join was driven largely by Lennon’s call.“The manager has played a big part in my career, and he asked me to come and help him out,” said Wanyama. “I said, ‘Why not?’ He’s been very influential in my journey.””I’ll always love Scotland and Scottish people. Nice people, warm people and always welcoming” 🏴❤️Victor Wanyama says he ‘couldn’t resist’ the chance to link up with Neil Lennon at Dunfermline 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Zxxn2bXDvE— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 27, 2025 Wanyama, now 33, also revealed that a conversation with the club owner solidified his decision.“He is very ambitious. When he told me what he wants and what his intentions are for the club, it was a no-brainer. He is so passionate about the game and wants to take the club to the next level.”Harambee Starlets coach reveals reason for Vivian Nanjala’s early substitution against UgandaDespite having other offers on the table, the chance to reunite with Lennon proved irresistible.“I had some other places to go, but once Neil phoned me, I couldn’t think of anything else,” Wanyama added.
