5/5? Maguire is debatable, but I dont think many would agree James is a "spot-on" signing.
About ignoring the transfer money and just look at the contributions is nonsense. Of course the transfer money has everything to do with it, if we take out the money from the Alexis deal it would be a regular signing. The signings, not the players, should be judged accordingly.
1.James
I never understood that. Do people expect
James to be our starter or he's a top winger or something?
Isn't it obvious he is too limited even before joining us?
What he did is just as expected as does the inconsistencies, it's within minimal expectation.
He exceeded expectations of many after the first 4 games so maybe afterwards people have ridiculous high expectations of him. He is spot-on improving our squad depth (who else can do better than him other than Rash, Mart, Green? Chong/Mata? no way) plus consistent with the style of play and identity we're implementing -- pace, youth and work ethics. Brought to be a squad player and remain that way (unless Ole seriously thinks he is good enough to be starter?! which would says a lot about Ole's eye for talents).
2. Signings?
Is "signings" different than "players"?
Do you mean that Signing = players + transfer money + salary?
Therein lies the problems, letting transfer money affected your expectations. Higher money usually meant higher expectations, usually ridiculous nonsense over-the-top expectations. Surely inflation and selling club value should be considered.
For every players, it's better to look at their talents and their contributions, in relation to what they should be capable of consistent with expected roles we're assigning them.
Transfer money doesn't always reflects their "
type of signing" eg. is he a top player, elite player, key player or starter or squad player or back-ups, etc.
I trust you know all those types are different.
So isn't it
more reasonable to rely on (a) their contributions and (b) relative between roles : talents, rather than bringing (c) relative between transfer money : expectations into this.
3. Sanchez - isn't he free?
Not sure why you're bringing Sanchez into this which helps my points even further since he's free (c) though costly salary.
Eg. Sanchez should be a starter and key player (b) but he failed to lived up to it with his overall terrible performances (c), therefore he is a shit signing.
Similarly the case of Zlatan -- free yet fulfilled every expectations.
4. 5/5 At least within minimal expectations, only one exceeded... unless many people really thinks 'Maguire is a top elite CB' which is a joke to think that way, sorry.
AWB -- starter, not top/elite, just promising, fits our identity. Overall performed fine all season long. Defensive record. Checked.
DJ -- squad player, fits our style and identity. Performed fine in one-half of this season. Checked.
Mag -- starter, not top/elite, fits our identity and style of play. Improved our team and performed fine all season long. Also had the defensive record as proof. Checked. (the captain thing is ludicrous and ridiculous)
Ighalo -- back-up to Martial, squad player, gave it his all, got that amazing scoring record. Checked.
Bruno -- no comment. Too obvious but I don't think it's obvious he is a top/elite talent when we got him (we're the only one after delaying the transfer and Spurs who gave up quickly that are interested in him). Easy to have
hindsight is 20/20 right now. Either way, Checked but he does exceeded expectations.
HS 20/20 if you disagree.
Lindelöf has no standout features, he is ok in most and garbage in some other departments.