It’s time to take a look at how the big summer signings have performed so far this season…
The summer saw a number of big signings come to the Premier League and it’s that time in the season to take a look at how they are performing, as reported by the Mirror.
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Arsenal transfer news – all the very latest on the Gunners!
Manchester United transfer news – latest Red Devils news!
Liverpool transfer news – latest news and gossip for the Reds!
Take a look at how the 10 biggest signings have been graded so far this season!
Angel di Maria – £59.7m – Real Madrid to Manchester United
GRADE: B
Di Maria was Louis van Gaal’s first major signing as Man United boss – and a memorable one at that – smashing the British transfer record.
The Argentinian has scored some delightful goals for the Red Devils, most notably his chip against Leicester City – however, a hamstring injury halted the 26 year old’s season for a month.
Still has much to prove given the huge price-tag on his name but is adjusting to the Premier League well.
Alexis Sanchez – £35m – Barcelona to Arsenal
GRADE: A*
Sanchez has unquestionably been the stand-out player in the Premier League so far, after taking no time at all to adjust to the English game after moving from La Liga giants Barcelona.
The Chilean has grabbed 12 goals in 20 games – and is likely to only get better.
The 26 year old has been outstanding in a faltering Gunners side.
Eliaquim Mangala – £32m – Porto to Manchester City
GRADE: D
With ability on the ball not matched with the world-class standard at Man City, along with struggling to adjust to the Premier League, the £32m signing has been a huge disappointment leaving much to be desired.
Mangala struggled with Everton’s Romelu Lukaku on Saturday, illustrating just how much the Frenchman has to prove.
Diego Costa – £32m – Atletico Madrid to Chelsea
GRADE: A
With goalscoring troubles in recent seasons, a proven striker was on the very top of Jose Mourinho’s list – and Costa has been just that for the Blues, delivering consistently in front of goal, netting 15 goals in 18 Premier League games.
The 26 year old has been a nightmare for defenders – not only is the Spaniard direct and powerful in from of goal – but is aggressive and physical.
Exactly what Chelsea needed after Fernando Torres’ torrid time at the club came to an end.
Cesc Fabregas – £30m – Barcelona to Chelsea
GRADE: A
As an experienced player in the Premier League from his time at Arsenal, Fabregas took no time at all to settle back into English football – taking just 20 minutes to get his first assist of the season in his debut against Burnley with a sublime pass to Andre Schurle.
Fabregas has 14 assists and doesn’t look like easing up.
Ander Herrera – £29m – Athletic Bilbao to Manchester United
GRADE: C-
Van Gaal’s first signing at United has been steady but hasn’t excited the Premier League.
Herrera’s time so far at Old Trafford has been plagued by injuries, limiting his opportunities, and the Spaniard has to battle Juan Mata for a place in the starting line-up.
The 25 year old, however, should improve as the season goes on.
Romelu Lukaku – £27m – Chelsea to Everton
GRADE: C+
£28 million was an immense amount of money for Everton to spend on one signing, even if Lukaku did impress on loan last season – and the deal hasn’t paid off.
The 21 year old’s form has been up and down this season, even being dropped over the festive period. The goal against West Ham United last Monday to earn an FA Cup replay has hopefully boosted his confidence.
Chelsea secured an excellent deal in taking £28m for the Belgian.
Luke Shaw – £37m – Southampton to Manchester United
GRADE: C
Manchester United invested a serious amount in 19 year old Luke Shaw, who may have been better to have stayed at Southampton a little longer.
Like many at Old Trafford this season, Shaw has spent much of the season so far recovering from injury, and the Red Devils are yet to see the best of the teenager.
Worryingly, Ashley Young has been impressing more since his return form injury, however it is still early days for the 19 year old.
Adam Lallana – £25m – Southampton to Liverpool
GRADE: B+
Lallana has had his time at Liverpool hampered with injury problems, but has played a pivotal role in the Red’s improved form, putting in his best performance under Brendan Rodgers in the win over Swansea City.
However, the return of Daniel Sturridge from injury could put Lallana on the bench.
Dejan Lovren – £20m – Southampton to Liverpool
GRADE: E
A key player for Southampton last season – but an error-prone disappointment for Liverpool.
The Reds form has improved significantly since Kolo Toure has returned to the side ahead of Lovren.