Should Kompany leave Etihad? / Image via eagle.co.ug
Belgium defender Vincent Kompany’s future at Manchester City has been placed under serious doubt with the 30-year-old struggling to return to fitness and prove himself to new manager Pep Guardiola.
As the Premier League preseason hots up it remains to be seen whether former Barcelona and Bayern Munich tactician can afford to wait on the experienced centre back as he intends to make Manchester City Premier League title contenders once again.
Manchester City are made firm favourites to win the Premier League with the odds of 9/2 stacked in their favour, but Guardiola is aware of the challenge that lies ahead. The Catalan will need to have all of his men fit and ready to fight against Manchester United and Chelsea who are expected to be a huge competition to Citizens.
And with several clubs already expressing serious interest to take Kompany off Man City books, we take a look at some pros and cons in discussing the uncertain future of the Citizens captain.
LEADERSHIP
Vincent Kompany arrived to Manchester City from Hamburg in 2008 and the towering Belgium defender went on to become a true leader of a generation.
A proper all-rounder, Kompany even played in a holding midfield position during his early days with the Citizens, proving he is able to fill in numerous roles and be of good value to the team.
His committed performances have made him one of the best defenders in world football and his leadership characteristics made him an imposing presence both on and off the pitch. Physically strong centre back with excellent aerial ability and mobility, Kompany boasts good technique as well.
In addition to being a world-class footballer, Vincent Kompany is known for his charity work, which only adds up to depth of his character and personality which made him a loving figure at the Etihad.
Professional football however leaves no room for sympathy and emotion and summer of 2016 might very well be the end of the road for Man City captain Vincent Kompany.
INJURY-LADEN SEASON
Belgium defender has had a horrendous season behind him, one he will be eager to forget as soon as possible.
Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid brought Kompany his fifth separate injury of the 2015/16 season, as the experienced defender went down with groin pain while in possession and nobody around him.
A new injury prevented Manchester City defender from making the Belgium Euro 2016 squad as Kompany was forced to miss the European Championship. What is more, the two-time Premier League winner is likely to miss the preseason tour of China with his club as he get further away from a chance to prove his worth to the new manager.
Pep Guardiola has already spoke of the captain insisting that Kompany was a “magnificent defender”, but the one who still needs to prove his fitness if he wanted to become an integral part of the Spaniard’s plans for the new season.
Ever since his toe and ankle injuries in 2009, Vincent Kompany has struggled with new problems almost every year during his stay at the Etihad. A recurring calf injury has given Kompany problems since 2013, while the number of 33 separate injuries since joining from Hamburg are particularly alarming.
MAN CITY LOOKING FORWARD
Quite expectedly to be honest, Manchester City new manager is assessing his options and analysing the market as he looks to strengthen his back line in time for new challenges.
Pep Guardiola has already identified several transfer targets with Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci topping the wish list. The Italian international has had a brilliant Euro 2016 campaign with a string of great performances for Azzurri and it is quite understandable that Guardiola is keen on this highly versatile defender, who would fit like a glove in his system and style of play.
Another option for Manchester City defence is Everton centre back John Stones, who is reportedly subject to a £53 million bid.
Guardiola already expressed his desire to “work with English players”, but the Catalan tactician acknowledged that they are pretty expensive, which could be a clear message that Man City are not willing to meet Everton’s valuation for England defender.
ESCAPE ROUTE
Vincent Kompany is not getting any younger and is aware that he will struggle to maintain a place in the starting line-up at Manchester City following a nightmare of a season.
At his 30 years of age he needs to be playing regular football and result-driven Manchester City with trophy-hungry Pep Guardiola are unlikely to be patient enough to wait on the Belgian.
An escape route presented itself in the last couple of days with Turkish powerhouse Besiktas planning an ambitious bid for Man City captain. The Turkish champions are believed to have a huge war chest this summer and that they want to bolster their team ahead of the return to the Champions League.
A £25 million offer for Belgium international has already been lined by the Turkish club and Manchester City are believed to be considering it.
With Guardiola still undecided and uncommitted on Kompany’s future, perhaps accepting a deal would be a timely move for injury prone Belgian?
What is your opinion on the matter?
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