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Grading West Ham’s Transfer Window

By Scott Johnson

IPSWICH, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Felipe Anderson of West Ham United celebrates scoring the opening goal of the match 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)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Felipe Anderson of West Ham United celebrates scoring the opening goal of the match 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) /
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WALSALL, ENGLAND – JULY 25: West Ham player Fabian Balbuena in action during a friendly match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Banks’ Stadium on July 25, 2018 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
WALSALL, ENGLAND – JULY 25: West Ham player Fabian Balbuena in action during a friendly match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Banks’ Stadium on July 25, 2018 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Balbuena, 4m

Risk Factor: B

When signing an international quality defender at age 26 there’s not too much risk involved at all, however one that hasn’t played in Europe will carry some risk coming into the season. Obviously international experience will help him, however the Premier League is a big change from other leagues and it will take some time to adjust. But the rest of the argument is on his side.

Value for Money: A+

4m for an international defender? All good to me! This is the world where Richarlison, with no goals or assists in 2018 and no international caps (but talented yes), goes for over 40m. So for a tenth of that to sure up our defence…that’s good money all round.

Squad Improvement: A

After a series of injuries to Winston Reid, the selling of Fonte, the departure of Reece Burke and the supposed departure of Reece Oxford we needed centrebacks to come in. Balbuena could well be part of the first choice lineup most of the season, so this is a signing that was necessary for the squad to be solid.

Related Story. Depth in the Midfield good for West Ham. light

Overall Grade: A

Here’s an international level centreback who’s likely to walk into the first team for a cool 4m. How is that not a top transfer? He could fall and not adjust properly to the Premier League, but right now this looks like a top piece of business. So far so good for everyone involved in these transfers at West Ham!