The summer transfer window of 2017 saw plenty of money being tossed around between clubs, especially in the Premier League. But with big transfer prices come big expectations. We take a look at some of the main transfers of the Summer window and see if they managed to produce the goods for their teams this season, based on how a high school teacher might grade them.
Dembele signs for Barcelona.
Things couldn’t have got off to a worse start for Dembele, as he failed to juggle a ball at his unveiling at the Camp Nou. It continued to go downhill for the Frenchman, as he was injured in his La Liga debut against Getafe and was subsequently ruled out for four months.
Dembele has now returned to the Barcelona XI and has put in some great performances for the Catalonian giants. It will be a while before he repays his lofty transfer fee, but he has time on his side. Next season will be the big one for Dembele, provided he stays off the Barça physio table.
GRADE: B-
Neymar enjoying his football at PSG
For starters, Neymar did in fact manage to successfully juggle a football at his unveiling. He started as he meant to keep on, and has had an outstanding season in his freshman year in Paris. His debut saw the Brazilian net a goal and provide an assist.
Over the course of the season, Neymar has been a vital part of the PSG team, scoring 19 goals and laying on 13 assists for his teammates. However, he fractured a metatarsal bone in his foot and is currently out of action. All in all, a successful individual season so far for Neymar, but he'll be disappointed with PSG's performance in the Champions League.
GRADE: A
Lukaku celebrates after scoring a goal for Manchester United
The big Belgian was constantly linked with moves away from the Toffees throughout his time there, and eventually he made the move to the red side of Manchester. Lukaku has provided plenty of goals for the Red Devils this season (15 to be exact), but has often been criticized for his work rate at times as well as his lack of goals against the top clubs in the Premier League.
We’ve seen that he is capable of leading the line for arguably the biggest club in the world, but Lukaku needs to take it to the next level next season if he is to prove the world wrong in terms of performing against the big boys. Can he finish the season strongly?
GRADE: B+
Morata reacts after a Chelsea game
The Spaniard made the move to Chelsea after hopping between Real Madrid and Juventus for a couple of seasons. His season began in outstanding form, scoring six goals in six matches. It looked as if Chelsea might have found someone to truly take the burden off of Eden Hazard, but in true Chelsea striker fashion, it was not to be.
Since those opening six games, Morata has scored five goals in 19 matches. Not very good, Alvaro. With Michy Batshuayi finding great form at Borussia Dortmund, he could return and take Morata’s spot leading the line for Chelsea next season. Consider yourself warned, Mr. Morata.
GRADE: C
Salah celebrates after yet another goal for Liverpool
Once upon a time, in a land far far away (well, just a few hours down south from Liverpool), Salah was just a squad player at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho. Hit the fast forward button for a few years, and after stints at Fiorentina and AS Roma in Serie A, Salah returned to English shores to play at Liverpool.
If you can achieve nearly one million votes to be the President of Egypt despite not being on the ballot, you must be doing something right. Salah is leading the golden boot race for the Premier League with 29 goals, only two shy from equalling Dider Drogba’s record. Everyone has run out of superlatives for the Egyptian wizard, and so have I. Above and beyond the best transfer of the 2017 Summer window.
GRADE: Promote this guy to the level of Professor immediately. A+++
Sigurdsson frustrated during a match for Everton
Everton had plenty of money in the piggy bank after the sale of Lukaku, and splash the cash they did, with a big move for the Icelandic midfielder. After almost single-handedly saving Swansea last season from relegation with nine goals and 13 assists next to his name, there was a big weight on his shoulders coming in to this season.
However, he has failed miserably to match his performance from last year, scoring four goals and assisting three. He also created 16 big chances last year for Swansea, yet has only created five this season. It is hard to pinpoint where it has gone wrong for Sigurdsson, and unfortunately has failed quite badly in terms of living up to his transfer fee.
GRADE: D+
Lacazette reacts to a missed chance
Arsenal fans were on the verge of wetting themselves in excitement when Lacazette was announced. A front three of Ozil, Sanchez and Lacazette was going to strike fear into the hearts of opposition defences. But what would a season be for Arsenal if these three clicked perfectly like they were meant to?
The Frenchman has only scored ten goals this season, as well as missing twelve big chances. A barren run of no goals in eight games did not help his cause either. Given that it his first season in the Premier League, some fans are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But if you’re a striker brought in on big cash, you’re expected to score plenty of goals. Lacazette has not done that.
GRADE: C+
