http://www.todayonline.com/sports/football/hits-or-duds-well-find-out-soon-enough
TODAY rounds up the 10 top transfers so far, and predicts whether they will be hits or misses.
ANDRE SCHURRLE (CHELSEA) FEE: £18 MILLION
What do we know?
The German knows where the back of the net is. At 22, he has already scored 43 goals in domestic football, and seven for the Germany national team. Both tallies work out to a rate of one every three matches. His signing was a curious one, however, and arranged long before the appointment of new manager Jose Mourinho. Does he actually want the left winger?
What will he bring?
Schurrle is highly-rated in Germany, and proved to be a superb counter attack weapon for his former club Bayer Leverkusen. Favouring a spot on the left wing, he can also play in behind the centre-forward, and when he is given the chance, he will frighten opponents with his pace. His big problem is forcing a regular place in the starting line-up ahead of Oscar, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard.
Verdict: MISS
FERNANDINHO (MANCHESTER CITY) FEE: £30 MILLION
What do we know?
The midfielder’s eight successful seasons with Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk proved that he has what it takes to shine in European football. Chipping in with regular goals, he is a player who hardly misses a match through injury, too. In a recent poll, fans at the Donbass Arena unanimously voted Fernandinho as the club’s greatest Brazilian.
What will he bring?
The 28-year-old brings a wealth of experience but, more importantly, a new dimension to the Man City midfield. He bounces around the pitch with great energy, has electric pace and can defend and attack with equal aplomb. His presence will add vibrancy and flexibility to City’s occasionally one-paced engine room.
Verdict: HIT
ROBERTO SOLDADO (TOTTENHAM HOSTPUR) FEE: £26 MILLION
What do we know?
The man they call The Soldier is a lethal predator inside the penalty box, and will be comfortable handling the pressure of being Tottenham’s primary goal scorer. At 28, Soldado is in his prime, and with a record of 24 league goals for Valencia last term, he has every right to feel chipper. The Spain international is known as one of the world’s greatest volleyers.
What will he bring?
Andre Villas-Boas has brought the Spaniard in to lead his line, and Soldado is unlikely to let him down. He is strong and has a good touch, which makes him ideal for the lone striker’s role. Spurs will create plenty of chances, and their new record signing is good enough to finish plenty of them off.
Verdict: HIT
IAGO ASPAS (LIVERPOOL) FEE: £7 MILLION
What do we know?
The 26-year-old only tasted one full season in the top flight of Spanish football for former club Celta Vigo, netting 12 times last term. His record in front of goal is respectable, and he is noted for creating just as many assists, but with such limited experience at the highest level, his signing is a risk.
What will he bring?
If Luis Suarez leaves the Reds, Aspas will be relied upon to float around the forward line trying to wreak havoc. Still, Suarez will be a tough act to follow. Aspas is also raw and unpredictable. While that may prove to be an asset, surely the Reds need someone with a touch more polish.
Verdict: MISS
WILFRIED BONY (SWANSEA CITY) FEE: £12 MILLION
What do we know?
The Ivory Coast striker smashed 37 goals in 36 games for Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem last year, so he is in some seriously red-hot form. At 24 years old, he is ready to make the step up, and in a side that creates as many chances as Swansea City, you would naturally expect him to prosper.
What will he bring?
Michael Laudrup’s men lacked a natural centre-forward last season, but they have one now. He is a powerful target man who is likely to dovetail beautifully with the ever-impressive Spanish steal of the season Michu. Having watched him score twice on his Swans debut against Malmo, I am tipping him to bag a hatful.
Verdict: HIT
PAULINHO (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR) FEE: £17 MILLION
What do we know?
The ex-Corinthians man was one of the stars of the Confederations Cup, producing a string of classy midfield displays for World Cup hosts Brazil. He is a deep-lying player who breaks up play and keeps things simple, but also has the speed and quality to go forward and score spectacular goals.
What will he bring?
As soon as defensive midfielder Sandro got injured in January, Tottenham’s season came off the rails, so Paulinho’s arrival will provide better options for Villas-Boas. He is likely to form a partnership with his compatriot this term, and this will allow Moussa Dembele to play more of an attacking role. He is the ideal fit.
Verdict: HIT
ALVARO NEGREDO (MANCHESTER CITY) FEE: £20.6 MILLION
What do we know?
After failing to make the grade with Real Madrid as a youngster, Negredo has done well for himself, shining for Almeria and Sevilla in the last five years. A record of 70 goals in 139 games for the latter bodes well, and he has the look and build of a typical Premier League centre-forward.
What will he bring?
Known as The Beast, Negredo is a natural-born fighter who enjoys the rough stuff but who also has a decent technique. He will compete with Edin Dzeko for the role as City’s target man, with the more gifted Sergio Aguero and Stevan Jovetic floating around him. He will have to fight hard for regular game-time.
Verdict: MISS
What do we know?
Observers of Barcelona have tipped the teenager to make a breakthrough at the Nou Camp for a while but, to date, he has made only six first-team appearances for the Catalans. Used as a left winger or supplementary forward, Delofeu is supremely talented and a magnificent creative player.
What will he bring?
He will add craft, guile and youthful energy to a warrior-like Everton side, but the 19-year-old is unproven at this level of club football. He has the ability to win matches on his own, and he probably will, but the powerful cut and thrust of Premier League football may not help him produce it consistently.
Verdict: MISS
MARCO VAN GINKEL (CHELSEA) FEE: £9 MILLION
What do we know?
Tall, elegant and with the ability to score goals from midfield, the Holland Under-21 star is a handy addition to the Blues ranks. Already a full international at age 20, the former Vitesse Arnhem playmaker is rated as one of Dutch football’s brightest new stars.
What will he bring?
Jose Mourinho will break the youngster in gently, but his presence will allow the Blues boss to rest Frank Lampard as and when the veteran needs it. The pair will fight for a starting berth, and before long, it will be Dutchman who will come to the fore.
Verdict: HIT
JESUS NAVAS (MANCHESTER CITY) FEE: £15 MILLION
What do we know?
A regular second-half substitute for Spain, the right winger is highly experienced at the very highest levels of the game. Exceptionally quick, with fast feet and tricky dribbling skills, Navas is a small, lightweight winger that’s capable of turning most full-backs inside out.
What will he bring?
Most of Man City’s wide men enjoy coming inside, so Navas will add genuine width to the team and stretch play with his natural style. He is not a goal scorer, but the 27-year-old is an effective creator. Is he suited to English football though? Only time will tell.
Verdict: THE JURY IS OUT
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