Victor Wanyama could be set to end his bench role at MLS club CF Montreal following the departure of a key midfield rival to Switzerland.
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama could get more opportunities to play at CF Montreal following the departure of midfielder Mathieu Choiniere to Switzerland.
Choiniere, one of the outstanding players for Montreal in the last one year, has joined Swiss side Grasshopper Club Zurich, ending speculation over his future after turning down a new contract in May.
“We are very happy for Mathieu, and I would like to congratulate him on his exceptional career with the Club," said Montreal president and CEO Gabriel Gervais.
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Victor Wanyama benched as CF Montreal suffer home embarrassment
Victor Wanyama watched proceedings from the bench as his club CF Montreal suffered one of their biggest home losses in what is a setback to their MLS playoff hopes.
“We have been supporting his development since the age of 12, and he has made remarkable progress thanks to his work ethic and passion for soccer. Mathieu aspired to experience the European game, and his departure is another fine example of the sporting project we are building in Montreal. We wish him the very best of success in Switzerland and for the remainder of his career.”
Choiniere has been one of the most trusted midfielders in the squad and featured prominently under former coach Hernan Losada and current tactician Laurent Courtois.
He was one of the players who have restricted Wanyama to a bench warmer since the second half of last season and his departure could open the door to regular football for the Kenyan midfielder.
Wanyama has continued to become a peripheral figure at Montreal for a second season in a row and watched Sunday’s 5-0 home loss to New England Revolution on the bench, in what was the third straight match in which he has not been involved.
Wanyama has become fourth choice in midfield at Montreal with Canadian stars Choiniere and Samuel Piette as well as youngster Nathan Saliba preferred ahead of him.
However, with Choiniere gone, he remains one of the most experienced midfielders in the squad, something that could help Courtois steady his ship, after a poor run of form that leaves them 11th on the Easter Conference table, and in danger of missing out on the playoffs for a second straight campaign, even if eight more regular season matches are remaining.
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