Manchester City have completed the signing of young Belgian defender Vincent Kompany from German club Hamburger SV. The 22 year old, regarded as one of the brightest talents in Europe, joined Hamburg from Anderlecht in 2006 for two million euros. Kompany has signed a four year deal at Eastlands, and is expected to feature in City’s weekend clash against West Ham United. The fee involved was not disclosed, but the Manchester Evening News says that it is around the £6m mark.
Kompany and Hamburg fell out over the former wanting to stay with the Belgian Olympic side in Beijing. Hamburg wanted him to come back to Germany for the Bundesliga opener against Bayern, and while Kompany did return, he wasn’t very happy. He made an appearance against Bayern as a substitute in the second half- his 39th and last appearance for Hamburg.
Kompany did not feature in his side’s quarterfinal win over Italy. Belgium eventually lost to Nigeria in the semifinal, and were beaten 3-0 by Brazil in the third place playoff.
Kompany becomes Mark Hughes’ third signing of the season after Brazilian striker Jo and defender Talal Ben Haim.
Kompany’s arrival at Eastlands is also likely to reignite rumours of Vedran Corluka moving to Tottenham Hotspur, although the Croatian has stated recently that he will stay at CoMs.