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The transfer window has been flung open by Monaco and this summer could be spectacular for player movement given the number of high profile clubs that have changed manager or who are coming off perceived down seasons. Over this summer, I will be explaining and analysing the major moves around and giving each one of them a grade.
André Schürrle – Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea (£18m)
What’s the deal? Schürrle had been pursued by Chelsea for a long time so Chelsea will be pleased to get him before pre-season training. He’s starred in the Bundesliga at an attractive Leverkusen side.
Is the price right? Yes it’s pretty much right, maybe slightly over the top considering he wouldn’t seem to be a need in any way. However, Leverkusen were never going to sell easily.
Why sign him? Chelsea are going to play in a counter attacking fashion under Jose Mourinho and he is an ideal forward for that. Find out more in my detailed profile of the move here.
Why sell him? It’s a slightly strange one. I guess it’s because they’ve gotten decent money for him but considering they are in the Champions League next season it’s perhaps surprising that they didn’t ignore the money and keep him, particularly having already sold Carvajal.
Will it work? If Mourinho has intentions of using him regularly and correctly then yes. However, if they then go out and spend £50m on Cavani or if he becomes a Marko Marin like fringe figure, then no.
Grade: B He’s a really good but not great player and cost a fair chunk of money. However, if he’s been bought to start he can thrive.
Iago Aspas – Celta Vigo to Liverpool (£7.7m)
What’s the deal? Aspas joins having been bought to compliment Luis Suarez but may end up replacing him. Brendan Rodgers starts to add depth in attack.
Is the price right? Yes this is a good price. He scored 12 goals in La Liga and the season before that, 25 in the Segunda Division which is impressive. However, lack of European pedigree and small stature is reflected in the price.
Why sign him? Initially in order to take Downing’s place on the right of the attacking midfield trident behind Daniel Sturridge along with Coutinho and Suarez. If Suarez goes he’ll also be the back up striker.
Why sell him? This is really good money for Celta Vigo. They only just escaped relegation last season and need money to spend.
Will it work? The last small technical attacker Liverpool signed was Philippe Coutinho and that looks like being a spectacular signing. Aspas isn’t as good, not many are, but Liverpool will play in a style that will suit him and Rodgers is a good coaching manager.
Grade: B- Good player, decent value. However, if he’s being signed above the likes of the not much more expensive Christian Eriksen it’s questionable. It’s good but is it great?
Jores Okore – FC Nordsjaelland to Aston Villa (£4m)
What’s the deal? Aston Villa have beaten Chelsea to the signing, the very impressive signing, of Okore. Villa were awful at the back last year and Okore, at just 20, has the potential to be this year’s Benteke.
Is the price right? Could be a bargain. £4m for a 20 year old with 7 international caps and Champions League experience. Less because Danish clubs aren’t rich and he’s a touch raw but he could be incredible value.
Why sign him? None of the three Villa centre backs stood out last year. Ron Vlaar was the best of a bad bunch but perhaps he’ll improve in his second season. It was a chasm like hole next to him though and Villa needed to do something about it to compliment their lively attack.
Why sell him? They fell in to mid table and are a small club so no Champions League money this season.
Will it work? It could be amazing if he settles in quickly.
Grade: A Very good potential, good price, coup, fills a need. Excellent stuff.
Ricky van Wolfswinkel – Sporting Lisbon to Norwich (£8.5m)
What’s the deal? Norwich smash their club record to get a striker they badly needed.
Is the price right? It’s maybe slightly on the high side considering Sporting Lisbon are lacking money but then when do strikers come cheap? It’s also a good sign of ambition on Norwich’s part.
Why sign him? Norwich had one of the worst attacks in the league last season and missed a lot of chances. They’ve got nice wide men, especially Robert Snodgrass, who create chances but they need someone to put them in the net. He also has pace to compliment his finishing so is more complete than any of Norwich’s current options.
Why sell him? They need the money and can replace him cheaply. Sporting aren’t anywhere near Porto and Benfica so they’re selling out of the title race.
Grade: B+ Van Wolfswinkel is a good player and is an upgrade. He’s going to need to be trusted though as he may go up and down in form.
Modibo Diakite – Lazio to Sunderland (Free)
What’s the deal? Diakite is a big physical defender who lost his place at Lazio after a tactical reshuffle. They beat Juventus and Napoli to the punch.
Is the price right? Free is always good.
Why sign him? Sunderland need a full overhaul of the squad. Although defence isn’t necessarily the priority they could stand to upgrade on Cuellar. He brings height and pace to a defence that is otherwise one dimensional.
Why sell him? Lazio have changed tactics under their new manager which relies on defensive intelligence rather than physicality.
Grade: B He’s going to be rusty having played just once in the 2012/13 season and can make mistakes but he does give Sunderland a different option for free.
