Opinion: Former Celtic midfielder would be ideal fit in Postecoglou system

Celtic seen very keen to sign a defensive/central midfielder in the current transfer window, with Vinícius Souza recently linked to the Hoops.

Ange Postecoglou will be eager to bring a midfielder in to the squad to replace the departed Nir Bitton, to help Callum McGregor, and to make the Hoops harder to break down in the Champions League group stages.

One player from Celtic’s recent past who would have been an ideal signing in the midfield area is Victor Wanyama.

It was a while ago now, but Wanyama was one of Celtic’s best players in the 2010s, when he played for the club for two seasons from 2011 to 2013 before signing for Southampton.

He was particularly good for the Hoops in Europe, as he helped the Bhoys reach the last 16 of the Champions League in 2013, which is the last time the Hoops achieved such a feat.

People will always remember the goal Wanyama scored against Barcelona, but his role in the win over Spartak Moscow – Celtic’s first ever away victory in the group stages – shouldn’t be overlooked, as he helped to set up Gary Hooper’s goal with some tenacious midfield play. 

Wanyama at his best would fit into the current Celtic side, as he would allow the attacking players in the team to get forward, whilst winning the ball in the middle of the park. He would also allow Callum McGregor to either be rested, or he could play further forward.

This is just a hypothetical situation, as the Hoops won’t be trying to sign Wanyama, who is coming towards the end of his career – he is 30-years-old – and who is currently playing for MLS side FC Montreal.

But wouldn’t Wanyama be a better option in the Celtic squad than James McCarthy, who has rarely featured for the Bhoys since joining the Hoops just over a year ago? Perhaps.