Grading West Ham’s Transfer Window
IPSWICH, ENGLAND – JULY 28: Jack Wilshere of West Ham United during the pre-season friendly match between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road on July 28, 2018 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Wilshere, Free
Risk Factor: C
If you’ve heard of Jack Wilshere, you know his injury issues. This is a player who seemingly was on the way up and up, but could not keep it together for a full season. Big injuries have derailed progress at each point, but his quality is in no way in question. His injuries make him a risk going forward, however we know the player quality we’re getting.
More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham
- Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?
- West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer stand
- Lucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talks
- Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
- West Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid
Value for Money: A+
Once again, he’s a free transfer so there’s no real value for money issue there at all. Here we have a Premier League quality player moving from playing regular European football to us. What can really go wrong there? As long as he stays fit he could be one of the bargains of the season.
Squad Improvement: A
There’s not a midfielder in the squad who is as good as Wilshere technically, and we are lacking a player who can bring the ball forward as well as the Englishman. With Lanzini out until the new year, we may also see him play further forward as well. He is a big part of making this squad as balanced as it seems.
Overall Grade: A-
Despite good value for money and squad improvment bonuses, this transfer carries a lot of risk that we won’t be able to assess until the season is over. Wilshere is a great player and was definitely worth moving for, but the proof will be in the pudding. When we signed Carroll people said it was a decent fee, but the injuries after changed that.
Whether Wilshere is deemed simply good value now or one of the signings of the season will depend on how much gametime he gets over the year. If he can manage past 30 games this season the value of this transfer goes through the roof.