Manchester City Kommitment – Captain’s new deal critical for champions

The recent news that Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has signed a new six-year contract with the club is a massive boost for the champions, who have so far yet to make a significant impact in the summer transfer market.

City have dominated most of the recent transfer windows with Roberto Mancini clinching successive big-money signings in order to bring trophies to a previously success-starved club. Now with a first league title for 44 years in the bag, the spending spree looks to have slowed and Mancini, who recently signed a new contract himself, now seems intent on locking in his best assets, while perhaps looking for just a few key additions to ensure that the Citizens retain their title and challenge for the Champions League over the coming years.

Club captain Kompany was arguably City’s most important and consistent performer in the league last season as they finally wrested the Premiership from Manchester United’s grasp. His imperious performance and headed winner against their bitter rivals in the derby at the Etihad Stadium perhaps summed up his importance to Mancini’s side.

The Belgian scored a superbly chipped second goal as City beat Besiktas 2-0 in their pre-season friendly in another typical all-action performance. Contracts as long as six years are very rare in football these days and the deal signifies City’s appreciation of the 26 year old’s abilities, as they secure his services for the best years of his career.

Kompany actually joined the club during the Mark Hughes era in 2008 and has steadily developed into one of Europe’s top defenders while City have made the transition from big-spending pretenders to the throne into champions. The Belgian has now set his sights on winning more titles with City and competing for the Champions League. He has also spoken of his pride at captaining the side.

There are rumours abound that fellow centre-back Kolo Toure could be set to leave the Manchester club after failing to win a regular place in the side since his drugs ban. With Kompany and Joleon Lescott now established as Mancini’s first choice pairing, Turkish side Bursaspor are said to be chasing the Ivorian.

With Bayern Munich thought to be keen on midfield battler Nigel De Jong and the pantomime surrounding Carlos Tevez’s future refusing to subside, Kompany’s commitment will be a huge boost to the light blue faithful as City gear up for their title defence.

It is still more than likely of course, that Mancini will add to the squad before the transfer window shuts and City have been confirmed as one of at least three clubs chasing Arsenal star Robin Van Persie. Gone are the days of several huge deals during one window though, as Mancini is now looking to fine-tune a successful squad rather than build one from scratch. Due to their sheer spending power, we are used to seeing the Manchester outfit linked with every star in Europe but from now on it could well be that the most crucial signatures could those retaining their established first-team names.