Transfer news: Vincent Kompany says Manchester City had to reinforce

Vincent Kompany says Manchester City had to add over the summer to cover the loss of those heading through the exits.

Manuel Pellegrini spent big again during the transfer window, snapping up Eliaquim Mangala for £32million and his former Porto team-mate Fernando for £12million.

Goalkeeper Willy Caballero was also acquired, along with Bacary Sagna on a free transfer and former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard on loan from sister club New York City.

The summer reinforcements? People should see that as logical for a team like us, to get reinforcements every year.

Club captain Kompany believes reinforcements were necessary, with it vital that the defending Premier League champions look to keep growing through the recruitment of fresh faces and the negotiation of contract extensions with established stars.

The Belgium international, who has committed to a new five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, told France Football: “To me the most important thing was not that I signed, but that I saw David Silva, Samir Nasri, Aleksandar Kolarov and Yaya Toure doing the same.

“That was a strong signal. All of those players could play for the top teams in the world, but they have decided to show faith in City and the project at the club.

“Personally, I have a very strong relationship with the club, so the decision to extend my stay was easy. I am looking to the future.”

Kompany added: “The summer reinforcements? People should see that as logical for a team like us, to get reinforcements every year.

“We are forced to. That is a fact. Joleon Lescott is leaving? We must get reinforcements for that position. Javi Garcia is leaving us? We have to add a player in that position.”

Kompany has also been discussing the route he feels young English talent needs to go down in order for more top-quality players to be produced, with opportunities to broaden their horizons all too often ignored.

He said: “The English players should accept, when they are young, to enrich their experience abroad, in a league where it is easier to play and is less physically demanding.

“English players have to be more prepared to do that, and come back later. It is not a matter of nationality, it is difficult for any player to play in the Premier League.

“Now, I am half a Manchester man. Nothing would make me happier than seeing kids from Manchester, who have supported the club since they were six years old, having success and playing for City.

“But you have to take intermediary steps. The only problem is a state of mind.

“If you propose to a 17-year-old to play in League One or the Dutch division one, 90 per cent will prefer to play in League One. It is a different springboard. You have to open boundaries in your mind.”