Hughes a real Kompany man
MARK HUGHES believes his capture of Vincent Kompany while he was Manchester City manager is the best piece of transfer business in the club’s history – and claims the defender is now worth £50 million.
Hughes bought the 28-year-old defender from Hamburg for just £6m in 2008 during his season-and-a-half in charge at the Etihad. Hughes, who is now Stoke manager and takes the Potters to his old club today, said: “Was he the best money City have ever spent? Yes.
“People will laugh and think it is easy to sell Manchester City, but not in those days. It was a leap of faith and fair play to him.
“Vinny wanted to come, he wanted to be successful and he wanted to be part of something.
“In terms of pound for pound, it has to be way up there. You look at certain levels of finance being thrown at mediocre players and it does not bear comparison. You look at current values and, in the market, he is a huge asset for the club. If you try to replace him it will be difficult to get anyone in for the best part of £50m.
“He is not motivated by anything other than winning as many trophies as he can. Vinny is very strong, has a great mentality and a real leader of men. He’s only a young man and will have more success at international and club level.
He fancied himself as a midfield player rather than a centre-half. I played him there initially as we had Richard Dunne as club captain and Kolo Toure. He was very good in midfield.
“I really enjoyed working with him and he deserved his success. I first saw him on Blackburn’s tour of Germany when he was playing for Hamburg. But I don’t think he was playing much for Hamburg and that was our opportunity.”