Grading the 5 Biggest Transfers in the Premier League This Summer

Since the transfer window officially opened for business this summer, the 20 Premier League clubs have so far spent an estimated £250 million between them.

Which signings will prove to be astute investments and have the biggest impacts at their new clubs this season?

Here I grade the five biggest transfers of the summer so far.

5. Ander Herrera

Ian Walton/Getty Images

Last summer, Manchester United finally signed their first established central midfielder in six years.

The only problem was Marouane Fellaini swiftly proved to be a massive disappointment.

A year on, United have tried again with the signing of Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao. 

The Spaniard should help to energise United’s grossly underperforming midfield with his work rate, creativity and presence. 

4. Rio Ferdinand

Nicky Loh/Getty Images

An ageing defender arriving at a promoted team might not appear that important, but it could just keep QPR in the top flight this season.

During their last brief stay in the Premier League in the 2012/13 season, they finished at the bottom and conceded 60 goals. 

Lessons have been learned, and the recruitment of Rio Ferdinand by Harry Redknapp should stem the flow of goals this season.

Discarded by Manchester United after 12 years, Ferdinand will relish the challenge of keeping QPR in the Premier League. 

3. Emmanuel Riviere

Michael Regan/Getty Images

The arrival of the 24-year-old striker at St James' Park has garnered surprisingly little interest around the Premier League.

However, let there be no doubt, Newcastle have signed a seriously good player and for the bargain transfer fee of just £6 million.

Last season, Emmanuel Riviere was Monaco’s top scorer with 13 goals—a better return than both James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao.

Last season’s top scorer at Newcastle, Loic Remy, has returned to QPR after his loan spell with the Magpies.

Riviere could even prove to be an upgrade this season. 

2. Alexis Sanchez

Hassan Ammar/Associated Press

During the January transfer window, it was Arsenal’s failure to sign a striker that appeared to fatally wound their title challenge. 

Six months later, the signing of Alexis Sanchez is therefore welcomed and clearly a case of better late than never.

"Alexis will add power, creativity and quality," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told The Guardian.

He will also add a regular supply of goals, having scored 21 for Barcelona last season and 47 over the last three seasons. 

1. Diego Costa

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Do not judge the adopted Spaniard by his insipid displays at the World Cup this summer when he was clearly exhausted and unfit.

Diego Costa looked like an impostor in Brazil compared to the dominant and prolific player who reigned in La Liga last season.

His 27 goals—only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi scored more—guided Atletico Madrid to a famous Spanish title win.

He should prove to be the ideal signing for Chelsea. His muscular and hard-running style will suit their approach, and he will bring some much-needed goals and presence to their forward line.

If Costa repeats his La Liga form in England this season, he could deliver Chelsea their first title since 2010.