Kinda similar to the player rating threads after a game, thought I'd create a thread where people could rate each transfer in/out out of 10 based on their perception of how much the player will impact our overall season and whether the fee paid/received represents good value for us or not.
At the end of summer or the end of season we can then review people's views as more of collective and see just how far right/wrong we all go, and even whether we change our minds along the way.
Incoming Transfers
Juanmi (£5m) - 6.5/10
Seems decent enough in terms of adding depth and options up front, but can't help but feel that he's not trained on as well as expected since hitting a high early peak in his teens (a Spanish Jack Wilshere). Seems his finishing is decent compared to our existing squad though, so if we can create enough for him he may score more than he did at Malaga, however, he doesn't seem to naturally shoot or even assist a lot himself. Cheap gamble at the price, and still young, but will need to learn the language and settle quickly to have a chance of making a real impact in 2015/16.
Cédric Soares (£3.5m-£4.7m) - 8/10
Exciting prospect offering either competition or direct replacement for Clyne at what seems a very good value price. Seems to have been quite important to Sporting, with Champs Lge and Europa experience and a decent cross on him. Only concern may be his height if we play against anyone with 2 big men up front, he's even shorter than Clyne at 5ft 7.5in.
Maarten Stekelenburg (Loan) - 7/10
Adresses a position of need with no further outlay until Fraser Forster can return from injury. Has played at a very high level (54 caps and played in WC final), but injuries, blunders, and not a lot of game time over the last two seasons raises some question marks. That said, how many better keepers were available that would have accepted they'd be facing a stiff uphill challenge upon FF's return? Definite upgrade on K. Davis & Gazzaniga, and with links to both Koeman and Alderweireld you can't imagine he'd be too shoddy with the right pieces in place around him.
Cuco Martina (£1.1m) - 4/10
Squad filler for a position of need at RB, with some versatility, a relatively inexpensive fee and on a short contract. Ultimately an underwhelming signing with little chance of progressing or really pushing the current first team squad if all others are fit. The kind of player I'd worry about us playing when called upon if a PL or Europa fixture, but obviously signed to buy time for either youngsters to progress or another better option to become available.
Jordy Clasie (£7m-£8.5m) - 8.5/10
Established Dutch International CM with a very good range of passing and ability to turn defence into attack very quickly. Not afraid to play the QB role in midfield and drive the ball forward himself either. Slightly different player than Schneiderlin, but a comparative bargain at the price.
Outgoing Transfers
Nathaniel Clyne (£12.5m) - 7/10
Shame to lose a player of his ability to a non-Champions League club. But ultimately 'money' and 'history' talks until we start finishing above teams like Liverpool, and even then semi-regularly. Fee of £12.5m a little shy of previous media expectations but still decent for a player with only 1 year remaining on his contract and no intention of signing a new one.
Morgan Schneiderlin (£25m) - 6/10
As good a fee as we could reasonably expect with Morgan looking to move on to CL football and stating his desire to leave last summer. Gutted though as he'll be by far the hardest of the players we've had to replace over the last 2 summers.
At the end of summer or the end of season we can then review people's views as more of collective and see just how far right/wrong we all go, and even whether we change our minds along the way.
Incoming Transfers
Juanmi (£5m) - 6.5/10
Seems decent enough in terms of adding depth and options up front, but can't help but feel that he's not trained on as well as expected since hitting a high early peak in his teens (a Spanish Jack Wilshere). Seems his finishing is decent compared to our existing squad though, so if we can create enough for him he may score more than he did at Malaga, however, he doesn't seem to naturally shoot or even assist a lot himself. Cheap gamble at the price, and still young, but will need to learn the language and settle quickly to have a chance of making a real impact in 2015/16.
Cédric Soares (£3.5m-£4.7m) - 8/10
Exciting prospect offering either competition or direct replacement for Clyne at what seems a very good value price. Seems to have been quite important to Sporting, with Champs Lge and Europa experience and a decent cross on him. Only concern may be his height if we play against anyone with 2 big men up front, he's even shorter than Clyne at 5ft 7.5in.
Maarten Stekelenburg (Loan) - 7/10
Adresses a position of need with no further outlay until Fraser Forster can return from injury. Has played at a very high level (54 caps and played in WC final), but injuries, blunders, and not a lot of game time over the last two seasons raises some question marks. That said, how many better keepers were available that would have accepted they'd be facing a stiff uphill challenge upon FF's return? Definite upgrade on K. Davis & Gazzaniga, and with links to both Koeman and Alderweireld you can't imagine he'd be too shoddy with the right pieces in place around him.
Cuco Martina (£1.1m) - 4/10
Squad filler for a position of need at RB, with some versatility, a relatively inexpensive fee and on a short contract. Ultimately an underwhelming signing with little chance of progressing or really pushing the current first team squad if all others are fit. The kind of player I'd worry about us playing when called upon if a PL or Europa fixture, but obviously signed to buy time for either youngsters to progress or another better option to become available.
Jordy Clasie (£7m-£8.5m) - 8.5/10
Established Dutch International CM with a very good range of passing and ability to turn defence into attack very quickly. Not afraid to play the QB role in midfield and drive the ball forward himself either. Slightly different player than Schneiderlin, but a comparative bargain at the price.
Outgoing Transfers
Nathaniel Clyne (£12.5m) - 7/10
Shame to lose a player of his ability to a non-Champions League club. But ultimately 'money' and 'history' talks until we start finishing above teams like Liverpool, and even then semi-regularly. Fee of £12.5m a little shy of previous media expectations but still decent for a player with only 1 year remaining on his contract and no intention of signing a new one.
Morgan Schneiderlin (£25m) - 6/10
As good a fee as we could reasonably expect with Morgan looking to move on to CL football and stating his desire to leave last summer. Gutted though as he'll be by far the hardest of the players we've had to replace over the last 2 summers.
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