Transfer Grades: Illarramendi, Denisov, Wanyama, Alcaraz and Callejon

The transfer window has been flung open 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.

Asier Illarramendi – Real Sociedad to Real Madrid (£33m)

What’s the deal? Real Madrid swoop to sign the new Xabi Alonso from a youthful and talented Sociedad unit.

Is the price right? This is a fair old chunk but he’s worth every single penny. Illarramendi is one of the most talented young players in the the world.

Why sign him? Xabi Alonso is 31 and only has one year left on his contract so Illarramendi is his replacement. Quite possibly for this season if the club sell Alonso, but certainly for the future. He’s uncannily like Alonso with his passing range and style and positional intelligence.

Why sell him? Release clause activated.

Will it work? Yes. He’s been signed for a specific job with no competition once Alonso is gone and has an arsenal of weapons around him to pass to and the boundless energy of Sami Khedira alongside him.

Grade: A+ I’m a huge fan of Illarramendi and Real is a great fit for him. They’ve signed another young Spanish talent with a clear plan in mind and he gets to be a star at a big club.

Igor Denisov – Zenit to Anzhi (£10m)

What’s the deal? The captain of Russia moves from big spending Zenit to bigger spending Anzhi. Big for the balance of power in Russia.

Is the price right? This seems about right. Denisov is a hard working grinder in midfield and an inspirational leader. It’s more about the statement of intent than the price though for Anzhi.

Why sign him? Anzhi need to add winners and players with defensive solidity and responsibility to their cast of attacking talent on the pitch. But this is about the impact off the pitch. They’re now going from big spending wannabes in Russia to a team capable of signing the national captain from recent champions.

Why sell him? Denisov led a player rebellion last season about the wages they paid to Hulk. He was a massive figure in the dressing room though so removing the foundation could see the whole thing collapse. Very risky.

Will it work? How can it not? He’s moving to a club with quality players in a league that he knows. He can bring his leadership to the club and take them on to great things.

Grade: A+ This would be double plus if he was younger than 29 but that’s being really picky. Possibly Anzhi’s most impressive signing. A statement of real intent that brings them something they didn’t have – leadership and desire to win.

Victor Wanyama – Celtic to Southampton (£12.5m)

What’s the deal? Wow. Southampton smash their club record two summers in a row.

Is the price right? It’s too much. Yes, Wanyama is an elite physical presence but his best goal scoring season last year saw him get 6, so they’re paying for an athletic menace and destroyer.

Why sign him? Wanyama is a genuinely superior athlete for a footballer. He’s 6’2 and the best part of 15 stone. What he brings Southampton is akin to what Fellaini brings to Everton. A dominant presence in the middle of the pitch in a team which isn’t blessed with size or power. If they move to a 433 then he’d be a good compliment to Cork and Schneiderlin.

Why sell him? It’s by far the most they’ve received for a transfer in club history and £12.5m means they can add about 4 or 5 players.

Will it work? Yes. Saints have some nice technicians and play some lovely stuff, but at times they got bullied. That ends with Wanyama coming in to the team.

Grade: B+ It depends how they use him. If they are playing 433 and he can play as a wrecking crew then he can be devastating but if he ends up playing as a shield it’s a waste of so much money. Great ambition though and real echoes of Everton signing Fellaini.

Antolin Alcaraz – Wigan to Everton (Free)

What’s the deal? Roberto Martinez continues to hoover up his ex Wigan players.

Is the price right? Free is always good. He’d probably have been at least £5m if under contract.

Why sign him? Everton have three first team worthy central defenders. One of those, Sylvain Distin is 35. Alcaraz has been really good when fit, so could be a solid long term option.

Why sell him? Out of contract.

Will it work? It could do. Alcaraz would bring a ball playing presence to central defence that Everton will need as they transition to Roberto Martinez’s system. He’ll have to force his way past Distin though, and stay fit, or he’ll just drift along, and that’s assuming he doesn’t spit at anyone…

Grade: B He’s free, and in an area of need. However, he’s injury prone and makes errors.

Jose Maria Callejon – Real Madrid to Napoli (Undisclosed)

What’s the deal? Callejon was developed by Real Madrid before making his name at Espanyol and returning to Real but like so many other young Spaniards, couldn’t find his way to the first team.

Is the price right? Undisclosed at the moment but expected to be in the £4-6m range which would be a good price.

Why sign him?Erm…not too sure on this. Napoli have just spent nearly £9m on Dries Mertens and have the talented Insigne as wide forwards and Marek Hamsik who can play behind the striker. I guess it adds depth though.

Why sell him? Surplus to requirements considering how many forwards and attacking midfielders they have.

Will it work? It depends how much he gets used really. I have a funny feeling this one might not go so well.

Grade: C He’s a good player but not a need and it isn’t clear how he’ll get himself in to the first team.