Victor Wanyama confirms he'll leave CF Montreal after 2022 MLS season
By Chris Smith
CF Montreal midfielder Victor Wanyama has confirmed he won't be returning to the club for the 2023 MLS season.
Wanyama joined Montreal in 2020 and has been a key player ever since, featuring 87 times across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing three assists, and helping win the 2021 Canadian Championship.
The 31-year-old is CFM's only Designated Player (DP) at present and has been among the best midfielders in MLS this season. In a team sitting second in the Eastern Conference, Wanyama ranks first among his teammates for tackles (76), pressures (417), and recoveries (299).
Wanyama's current deal expires at the end of the 2022 MLS season but despite his importance to CF Montreal, it appears the former Celtic and Tottenham man will be playing elsewhere next season.
“At the end of the season, I think I will leave. I have had a great time here. I have enjoyed being part of the team and it has been great,” Wanyama told reporters on Tuesday.
He added: “It is like this. At the end of the season, I will be free to leave. But as long as I am here now, my aim is to focus on the games and to make sure we finish well then from there will have a chance to say goodbye.”
Alongside Wanyama, Montreal are likely to lose youngster Ismael Kone, who is drawing serious interest from Europe, while USMNT star Djordje Mihailovic is set to join Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar, as reported by 90min.
Montreal have already confirmed a home match in the MLS Cup Playoffs but can confirm top spot in the East and a free pass through the first round if they beat Inter Miami on Decision Day, coupled with the Philadelphia Union failing to beat Toronto FC.
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