Transfer Grades: Real Madrid, Juventus, Man City and more

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.

Fernandinho – Shakhtar Donetsk to Manchester City (£34m)

What’s the deal? City have pursued Fernandinho for the best part of two years and finally get their man. City are determined to make big moves having been caught up by other nouveau riche PSG and Monaco and this is their way of doing so.
Is the price right? No, it’s insane. He had a £42.5m release clause which City have ‘managed’ to negotiate down to £34m. But that is a crazy amount for a 28-year-old central midfielder who only has experience in the Ukrainian league. There were no other bidders for him, so it’s as if they were on eBay using two accounts bidding against themselves. Shakhtar would have been rubbing their hands. The Financial Fair Play implications are ghastly.
Why sign him? Fernandinho is a nice glidy central midfielder who has an excellent range of passing and some creativity. He has everything that the City midfield lacks at the moment.
Why sell him? He’s been there a long time, won lots of trophies and been loyal so it’s fair to let him go. Plus, it’s a stratospheric profit.
Will it work? It should do. It’s a step up in standard but he’s used to big club pressure and the Ukranian league is physically intense.
Grade: C He’s a lovely player who fills a big need. But he’s 28. And cost £34m.