Transfer Grades: Cavani, Giaccherini, Redmond, Poli and Ilicic

Emanuele Giaccherini – Juventus to Sunderland (£8m)

What’s the deal? This is bizarre and impressive at the same time. Having basically signed dross, Sunderland go and pluck an Italian international away from Juventus.

Is the price right? This isn’t the ‘bargain’ it’s being reported as in England. It’s right at the top of what represents value for him, and if anything, is a little high. He’s 28, and has only had one season of regular starting in Serie A. After that season, 2010/11, he moved to Juventus and spent two seasons coming on and off the bench. Sunderland have paid this because of where he plays, rather than what he’s done before.

Why sign him? Sunderland do need some genuine width in the team, and he does fill that requirement. Also, he used to play for a famous club.

Why sell him? Giaccherini was on the fringes of the Juventus team, and they probably couldn’t believe they were getting offered only £2m less than they paid for Tevez.

Will it work? It depends on what he’s expected to achieve. If they think they’ve bought someone to score five and make 8/10 goals, then it might be a push , but he’ll work hard and put in good industry. He’s not really a creator which is what they needed than more hard running.

Grade: C+ Too much money for a player with a moderate career record who doesn’t really add anything new. He’s a tidy operator and will bring a good attitude, but he’s not the marquee signing he’s been talked of as.