Transfer Grades: van Ginkel, Shelvey, Isco, Paulinho and Aubameyang

The transfer window has been flung open by Monaco and this summer could be spectacular for player movement given the number of high profile clubs that have changed manager or who are coming off perceived down seasons. Over this summer, I will be explaining and analysing the major moves around and giving each one of them a grade.

Marco van Ginkel – Vitesse Arnhem to Chelsea (£9m)

What’s the deal? Van Ginkel is the next Frank Lampard. He struts around the pitch like a young Frank Lampard, scores goals like a young Frank Lampard and even wears number 8.

Is the price right? This seems like a real bargain, perhaps Chelsea are getting him cheaper because they have an excellent relationship with Vitesse Arnhem. His talent is probably worth double this.

Why sign him? Frank Lampard is 35 and despite possessing quality players like Ramires and Chalobah in central midfield, neither are quite like Lampard. Van Ginkel is though. He can learn from the man himself for a year and then take on the reigns.

Why sell him? I guess it keeps Chelsea sweet and Vitesse have been reliant on Chelsea loans in recent years. Despite being fairly well off for an Eredivisie team £9m is still a lot of money.

Will it work? If he’s given the game time that he needs and is trusted long term then it will. He needs to be eased in this year before taking over in 2014/15 but he has the talent to reach the stars.

Grade: A+ Splendid business, another piece added to Chelsea’s ridiculously talented squad.

Jonjo Shelvey – Liverpool to Swansea (£6m)

What’s the deal? Shelvey wasn’t going to start at Liverpool and Swansea have said they want to sign some British players.

Is the price right? No. I don’t understand this. Swansea have signed vastly better players for less money. Michu and Pablo Hernandez were less. Chico Flores was less. Angel Rangel was less. Swansea are paying the English premium all of a sudden, and for no reason.

Why sign him? I have no idea. I cannot figure this one out. Shelvey can’t pass the ball or set tempo so can’t play in the deeper roles in midfield. Literally the only position he can play is the one behind the striker. But they have Michu there. And they want to sign the hugely superior Bony to play upfront. So where does Shelvey fit? Literally just signed because he’s English, which has never been Swansea’s strategy. Why change that now?

Why sell him? He’s not as good as the other young talents at Liverpool and they get some decent money for him.

Will it work? I can’t see how it will. Shelvey is so different to how Swansea play, which is exactly why Rodgers got rid of him. He’ll always shoot, regardless of what the best option is and is fairly lazy in possession. Someone who is better would have to be displaced to accommodate him.

Grade: F Too much money, bad fit, signed for the wrong reasons. Can’t believe this is Swansea doing this.

Isco – Malaga to Real Madrid (£22m)

What’s the deal? Isco turned down the chance to be reunited with Manuel Pellegrini at Man City to try his luck at Real Madrid after starring at the Under 21 Championship this summer.

Is the price right? Yes. He has got a couple of excellent La Liga seasons and a good Champions League campaign on his CV already. Has the talent to become world class which costs a lot of money.

Why sign him? Because he’s Spanish maybe? He’s not a need signing certainly. Real already have a whole pile of attacking midfielders in place. However, the club are desperate to have a more Spanish core to gain face with Barcelona and Isco is about as talented as any of the young Spanish prospects.

Why sell him? Malaga are not in good shape financially and can’t deny Isco the chance to get back in the Champions League.

Will it work? It’s a dangerous one for Isco. He could just as easily be the next Sergio Ramos, a high price young Spaniard who becomes a big success, or the next Canales or Granero if he can’t force his way in to the team. Real will probably look to use him in the first team but they’ve got so much talent that if he isn’t immediately amazing he could lose his spot.

Grade: B Isco seems to have been tempted to Real Madrid to try and break the run of young Spaniards who have run aground. Real can turn him in to a star because he has incredible talent, but it’s a big spend on a position that’s not a need.

Paulinho – Corinthians to Tottenham (£17m)

What’s the deal? Paulinho has been very impressive for Brazil and in the Brazilian league with his complete midfield game and Spurs needed to add to their central midfield.

Is the price right? It’s a decent price. Towards the top end though. It mostly depends on how it affects Spurs’ search for a striker. If they can afford someone like David Villa or Christian Benteke as well then Paulinho’s price is more than fine. If they only get him and not a striker then it’s questionable.

Why sign him? Paulinho has the best qualities of Sandro and Dembele in one player and that could give Spurs an excellent three man midfield as Andre Villas-Boas transitions to a 433 set up.

Why sell him? £17m goes a long way in Brazil.

Will it work? Yes. Potentially spectacularly. The days of fearing how Brazilians will go in the Premier League are long gone. Paulinho has the physicality, drive and goal getting to become a serious threat.

Grade: A- Paulinho is an excellent signing and this will be upgraded to an A if and when Spurs sign a striker, but if his fee means they can’t then it affects his grade.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – St.Etienne to Borussia Dortmund (£12m)

What’s the deal? Dortmund continue to sign players quickly and clinically. They’ve got their replacement for Bayern bound Lewandowski.

Is the price right? This seems quite cheap. He’s had a good season and an exceptional season in France so it would still have been reasonable to pay up to £16-17m.

Why sign him? Robert Lewandowski is on his way to Bayern and Dortmund needed to replace him with a similar player. They’ve done just that. Aubameyang has pace, power, energy, goals and plays well in a hold up role. Not as refined as Lewandowski but a couple of years with Klopp could sort that out.

Why sell him? I’m really surprised that this was the highest bid they got. It’s a good profit though and St. Etienne can’t really stop someone joining the Champions League finalists.

Will it work? It should do. He’s got Reus, Gundogan and B?aszczykowski making chances for him so he has no excuses for not scoring goals.

Grade: A Swift and efficient. The same way Dortmund play their football.