Transfer Grades: Premier League new boys

Dejan Lovren – Lyon to Southampton (£7m)

What’s the story? Lovren has been very highly thought of for a few years but perhaps stagnated at Lyon last season. Southampton making a big statement though.

Is the price right? It’s about right. Lovren has raw talent but makes mistakes, a little like a lower grade David Luiz. With that in mind, it’s a good price if he grows and improves but it’ll be a lot if he struggles to adapt.

Why sign him? Southampton’s weakness was in defence last season so Lovren will be a real solution if he settles quickly. Off the pitch, it continues Southampton’s impressive start to life in the Premier League transfer market.

Why sell him? He lost his place in the team at Lyon who have gone in another direction.

Will it work? It should do. He’s got the raw tools to be successful but he needs to find his confidence and settle quickly if he’s to make an impact.

Grade: B+ Despite him losing his place it’s still a big signing. Only last summer Lovren was linked to Arsenal. He does need to settle quickly though so it’s not exactly risk free.