Multiple sources believe that Tottenham are set to lose Victor Wanyama before the August 8 transfer deadline, so how will the Kenyan’s potential departure affect the club?

Initial thoughts of Wanyama’s potential departure lead one to immediately question the club’s top brass, wondering how Daniel Levy and company can consider selling a powerful and effective player in the heart of Spurs’ engine room.

Wanyama, when fit, patrols the centre of the park with power, boundless energy and robust strength.

In recent seasons Wanyama has been relegated to a bit part player due to a rash of repetitive injuries, most of which to his ailing knee. The Kenyan enjoyed a stellar first season with Spurs, seeing him transform the way Tottenham organized their midfield. He protected the back four immaculately while seamlessly shifting the source of play from defence to attack.

Since the 2016-17 campaign, where he made 36 appearances, Wanyama has been on the fringe of club goings-on, unable to recover from injury for any lengthy stint. He has made only 31 Premier League appearances in the last two seasons, struggling to find the form that endeared him to Spurs fans after moving from Southampton.

Bournemouth are the frontrunners to extract permanently Wanyama from Tottenham proceedings, with the Kenyan expected to be sold for the same amount he was purchased for in 2016, £11 million.

If the rangy midfielder is able to return to full health for a sustained period, he will have an immeasurable beneficial impact to any side, particular one of Bournemouth’s makeup. That, however, is a big if. 

He would add stability, athleticism while invariably tightening Bournemouth’s porous defence, but staying healthy, as reflected by his last two seasons in north London, is a tall order for the frustrated Kenyan.

To nobody’s surprise, he is currently sidelined by yet another knee injury, providing Spurs with additional incentive to sell.

While losing a player who, just a few years ago, was touted as one of the best defensive midfielders in England has its sentimental drawbacks, it’s the best decision for the club.

Nobody in their right mind would sell Wanyama if health wasn’t an issue. However, hoping a player might one day return to his former glorious self is a risk too big to take.

Tottenham need players performing at their best, and keeping a fragile link unable to consistently impact on-field proceedings contravenes the club’s lofty goals.