Transfer Grades: Bale, Ozil, Fellaini, Lamela and Sakho

Erik Lamela

Erik Lamela – Roma to Tottenham (£25m rising to £30m) What’s the deal? Spurs spent the Bale money before selling the Welshman and get a player projected for stardom. Is the price right? It is a lot of money and it’s being paid for a combination of reasons; his potential, his physical stature and his output of the last couple of years. All in all, it’s about right given that talent Lamela possesses is very rare indeed. He’s only 21 and already has a 15 goal season on his record. Why sign him? Lamela offers the mesmeric directness that the club lost with the sale of Bale. He gets goals from wide areas, mostly from cutting in from the right on to his left foot, and has a deft and creative range of range and crossing. At times Spurs were a little one dimensional last season, but he helps to give them a different one. Why sell him? The money was too good and it meant they could tie up a deal for Ljajic quickly. Also means that they are under no pressure to sell club icon Daniele De Rossi any time soon. Will it work? If he can adapt to the pace and hurly burly of Premier League life quickly he can become a superstar. Tottenham Grade: B+ He’s a wonderfully talented player with a lot of potential and gives them something they needed. Roma Grade: B They replaced him quickly, but his presence made them a darkhorse threat for a title push this season.