Victor Wanyama Among Standouts as Neil Lennon Names His Most Memorable Celtic Signings

Victor Wanyama and Neil Lennon

Victor Wanyama Among Standouts as Neil Lennon Names His Most Memorable Celtic Signings

Abigael Wafula 17:00 - 18.06.2025

Neil Lennon has reflected on his time at Celtic, naming Victor Wanyama among his top signings but placing Virgil van Dijk above all.

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has gone down memory lane on his time at the club from 2010 to 2014.

Neil Lennon coached Celtic for seven years across two spells. He first took charge of the club in 2010 and was there until 2014 before returning for a second stint from 2019 to 2021.

During Neil Lennon’s time at the club in his two stints, he signed several great players, including Victor Wanyama. Appearing on the Open Goal podcast, he ranked some of his favourite players.

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Neil Lennon: Victor Wanyama Was Good

Victor Wanyama
Neil Lennon on Victor Wanyama Image source: Imago

The Dunfermline Athletic coach shared that Virgil van Dijk stands out as the most highly rated player he has signed throughout his managerial career.

Speaking to the host, Simon Ferry, Neil Lennon recalled how he spotted Virgil van Dijk and managed to sign him from FC Groningen in the Eredivisie.

Neil Lennon revealed that Virgil van Dijk’s playing style was just like Rio Ferdinand’s. He revealed that the Dutchman was not looking to go to big clubs, and even with interest from Arsenal, he opted to remain at Celtic. Virgil van Dijk was at Celtic from 2013 to 2015 before heading to Southampton.

"We watched videos of him, and he was like Rio Ferdinand! Johan Mjallby went to watch him. I don’t know how the club managed to get him for £2.2 million,” Neil Lennon said.

“As soon as he walked through the door, we thought he was incredible. He’s handsome as well, with legs like tree trunks!

"What amazed me was that he didn’t go to one of the big clubs straight away. I remember Arsenal rang me about him, and I said to them, ‘What are you ringing me for, he's ready! They were saying they were not sure about the defensive side of his game."

Neil Lennon further admitted that Virgil van Dijk was undoubtedly his best signing, but he also singled out other players who stood out.

He added that Victor Wanyama was a great signing, adding that Gary Hooper, and Jeremie Frimpog were also among his brilliant signings.

"Yeah, but I've seen a few. Victor Wanyama was good, Gary Hooper was brilliant, as was Fraser Forster. Jeremie Frimpong, I got him for £250k and now he’s signed for Liverpool for £30 million,” Neil Lennon said.

"He played for Manchester City's U21s in a bounce game at Lennoxtown. I went down to watch the game and saw the kid and thought, ‘he’s good!’. He kept going and had good fitness levels, technique and speed.

"I spoke to Peter (Lawwell) and Nick Hammond, and we got the deal done. He came in, and you could not get him off the team. He was ridiculous in training. John Kennedy and I looked at each other and said, ‘Wow!"

Neil Lennon was named head coach of Dunfermline Athletic and brought in Victor Wanyama, who had recently parted ways with CF Montreal.