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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 low seasons. Over this summer, I will be explaining and analysing the major moves around and giving each one of them a grade.
Thiago Alcantara – Barcelona to Bayern Munich (£21m)
What’s the deal? Bayern beat United in the chase for the man Barcelona had groomed to be their new Xavi, but outrageously allowed his release clause to become active.
Is the price right? Yes, it’s a bargain. Bayern aren’t exactly poor so could have paid more. At this stage he’s a better player than Asier Illarramendi who cost Real £34m.
Why sign him? It’s a subject that’s caused a lot of debate. But he’s been signed to start. He does have some different gifts to the likes of Kroos, Schweinsteiger and Martinez in that he possesses an ability to do something unexpected around the penalty box. Guardiola wanted him, Bayern got him.
Why sell him? They negligently let his escape clause become active by not playing him enough.
Will it work? Yes, if assumptions that he will play are accurate. The more up temp pressing and passing approach of Bayern will suit Thiago. It’s to be assumed that Guardiola will move Javi Martinez back into central defence to bring some passing composure next to Dante. Thiago will then add some dash and energy next to Schweinsteiger. Probably.
Grade: B The very definition of not for need. Martinez is a better player and he is being put out of position. Where does Kroos fit in? But, he’s cheap and potentially world class.
David Villa – Barcelona to Atletico Madrid (£4.4m)
What’s the deal? How has this somehow happen? Villa wanted to start, to stay in Spain, and to play in the Champions League. Atletico had a Falcao to replace.
Is the price right? This is a literally unbelievable price. How, they’ve managed to get him for so cheap is baffling.
Why sign him? Because he’s David Villa. They needed to replace Falcao and they’ve managed to do so at a profit of £45.5m. Villa will bring goal power and Atletico can now use the spare money to sign some creative players which they badly need.
Why sell him? Even before signing Neymar Barcelona had too many forwards. They did right by allowing Villa to leave to a club which offered him everything he wanted. Takes away the distraction of having him at the club too.
Will it work? Yes. Falcao thrived on the Atletico supply so there’s no reason for David Villa not to.
Grade: A++ Great value. Great fit. Motivated player. Profit of £45m and you still end up with David Villa. This is excellent.
Leroy Fer – Twente to Norwich (£4.3m)
What’s the deal? Fer finally makes his way to England after an abortrf move to Everton in January as Norwich continue to look impressive in the market.
Is the price right? Fabulous bargain. Could easily have cost twice as much as this. Excellent business.
Why sign him? Fer is a massive upgrade on Bradley Johnson who was playing the destroyer role for Norwich. His nickname is ‘The Bouncer’ which gives out a clue. However, he’s also capable of getting goals, 13 over the last two years for Twente. An athletic, powerful, box-to-box presence next to the craft of Howson. A nice pairing.
Why sell him? Twente have fallen away as a force lately and Fer wanted a move to England.
Will it work? Yes. Dare I say, this year’s Michu? Norwich are adding some really nice players and Fer will shield an already decent defence and add goals from midfield to an attack which needs help.
Grade: A+++ The highest grade of the summer so far. An excellent player. Superb value. Massive upgrade in a position of serious need. This is how to do business everyone.
Mehdi Benatia – Udinese to Roma (£11m)
What’s the deal? Roma sign the impressive Benatia who has improved rapidly and markedly since coming to Udinese from the French second division.
Is the price right? Yes. Udinese don’t sell easily but this is a fair price. He’s got great physical talent but couldn’t really cost more having not really shown himself in the biggest European competition.
Why sign him? Roma are about to sell Marquinhos to PSG so are flush with money and need to replace him. Benatia is a good quality player and not much of an immediate downgrade which should help keep them competitive at the top end of Serie A.
Will it work? Yes. He’s staying in a league that he’s thrived in and if Roma do sign Strootman to pair with De Rossi, he will have an excellent shield in front of him to settle in behind.
Grade: A Although selling Marquinhos isn’t a great idea, this is a good way of replacing him.
Mark Schwarzer – Fulham to Chelsea (Free)
What’s the deal? Rather than wasting time bidding for Ruddy, Chelsea tie up veteran Schwarzer to act as cover for Petr Cech.
Is the price right? Back up keepers should always be free or very cheap.
Why sign him? Chelsea needed a proper backup to Petr Cech with Courtois on loan at Atletico Madrid and Ross Turnbull clearly not up to standard.
Why sell him? Fulham have signed Stekelenburg to take over in goal so could afford to let him leave.
Will it work? It’s win-win. He probably won’t have to play other than in the League Cup but when he does, he’s still a very reliable and a very professional presence in a young dressing room.
Grade: A Nice and tidy.
