Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama is on the verge of gaining a UK Passport. The Daily Mail has reported. The same paper reports that that is the main reason, the midfield maestro will reject a big money move to Roma. The move could jeopardize his passport issues.
Though there was interest from rival Premier League sides last season, the 27-year-old is hoping for more regular game time under Mauricio Pochettino this season and will also pick up his UK passport this year.
Wanyama, 27, was a key signing for Tottenham in the summer of 2016, as Mauricio Pochettino swooped to reunite with the Kenyan having worked together at Southampton.
The powerful anchor man enjoyed a dream first season with Spurs, becoming a key player at White Hart Lane, but whilst he was expected to continue that last season, he endured a difficult campaign.
Wanyama struggled with injuries and started just eight Premier League games last season, leaving Spurs fans desperately frustrated at his absence.
Wanyama has suffered a knee injury again this summer, and Roma have been keen to lure him to Italy, but the Daily Mail claim that he will reject a move in order to stay put at Tottenham.
It’s stated that Wanyama hopes to play more at Tottenham this season, and is on the verge of gaining a UK passport, hence his desire to stick with Spurs.
Having been a favourite of Pochettino over the years, exit rumours surrounding Wanyama were always surprising, and he certainly deserves another season to prove he can get back to his best.
Wanyama’ defensive abilities were vital for Spurs in the 2016-17 campaign and he was sorely missed last season, and the midfielder’s desire to stay should be a major boost for Pochettino and co.
UK Passport, What Does it Mean for Harambee Stars?
According to British laws, a foreigner can apply for British Citizenship if he has been ordinarily a resident of the UK for at least five years, The applicant must hold a “Settled Status” for at least 12 months; and they must meet the Language and Life in the UK tests (unless the applicant is aged 65 or above).
Wanyama has spent more than five years in Britain since his time at Celtic in Scotland and therefore meets all the requirements to gain Citizenship.
Gaining Citizenship, does not mean that Wanyama will stop playing for Harambee Stars. FIFA rules stipulate that you can only represent one national team at the senior level in your career.
The following are some of the benefits he will enjoy, if he gains citizenship:
1.To start off, while citizens get unrestricted entry into the UK. They can come and go in and out of UK, as many times as they wish and for as long as they wish.
2.UK citizens get easy travel to all countries, that allow visa free entry to UK passport holders.
3.UK allows dual nationality, However this does not benefit persons interested in maintaining their Indian citizenship. Who knows, down the road, India may actually allow dual citizenship.
4.Easier to move within the European Union if you are a UK citizen.
5.Eligible to work in the EU countries
6.Eligible to vote in UK elections
7.Right to benefits such as medical coverage etc.
8.Education advantage for children. Citizens exempt or pay lower schooling fee. Universities may give preference to citizens