Transfer Grades: Premier League new boys

Luis Alberto – Sevilla to Liverpool (£7m)

What’s the story? Luis Alberto was an offensive machine on loan with Barcelona B last season and fits in to Liverpool’s young technicians policy this summer.

Is the price right? It’s possibly a tad much, but it’s possibly really cheap. This is a little like the Phillipe Coutinho deal. At the time it seemed like quite a bit but now he looks a £20m+ player. Luis Alberto could easily fall in that category.

Why sign him? Liverpool are trying to get themselves a group of young, technical forwards as they try to phase in Brendan Rodgers’ philosophy of play. Last season he got 11 goals and 18 assists and Liverpool need players who could produce consistently. Looks like an ideal compliment to Coutinho.

Why sell him? £7m is a lot of money for a prospect at a club like Sevilla who are trying to reload with new players.

Will it work? It certainly can do. He’s probably going to the best possible fit. He’ll be playing for a manager who trusts young players and trusts technicians. Could be the new Coutinho.

Grade: A Liverpool are learning from previous mistakes in the market and are operating to a specific plan. He isn’t just an athlete they are trying to teach, he’s shown he can score and make goals.