Best Premier League transfers so far this summer

Fernandinho - Shakhtar Donetsk to Manchester City - £30 million

£30m for a 28-year-old deep lying midfielder may sound outrageous. It becomes even more baffling after Man City last season brought in Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell after already having Gareth Barry. But isolate the transfer from the said factors and then it becomes clear why they made such a move. The sheer intent on Man City’s part to spend such a huge amount in midst of UEFA fair play rules coming in, shows the value of the player.

Bayen Munich, a couple of seasons ago, were in the same position as City were at the end of last season, finishing second best in League and cup competitions; they were missing the final piece of the puzzle. They dug deep and paid heavily to bring in Javi Martinez. But at the end of the season, winning the triple justified their move. Fernandinho can be the same spark for City.

Fernandinho is a driving force, strong tackler, good on the ball and intelligent in his movement. Yaya Toure has time and again been the spark for City, but he can not always perform both defensively and offensively. Now with Fernandinho at the helm they can share the duties. His combination with Yaya Toure can destroy any midfield no matter how disciplined.

Clubs can spend money, buy superstars and win a couple of trophies; as City have already shown. But in order to make a winning team, a strong spine is needed. Hart – Kompany – Fernandinho – Toure: City’s spine is complete.