Is Hernanes worth the fee?

Amidst the business completed on deadline day, Inter Milan completed the signing of Brazilian Hernanes from Lazio in a fee worth about 20 million euros.

There is no doubting the class the midfielder has, in fact has all the necessary qualities needed in a midfielder. Hernanes is calm on the ball, able to use his left and right foot to equal ability and has a quick thinking footballing brain. He has been a key player for Lazio these past few seasons and has been one of the leaders in the Lazio squad since he first joined. He will be remembered by the Lazio faithful for a number of reasons, scorer of wonder goals, a classy play maker and a natural leader all spring to mind.

However, the fee for a player of his age is questionable. Based on ability he is well worth the money, but at 28 years of age this purchase has raised a few eyebrows. It can be argued that in Italy players can continue their careers into their late 30's and with age he is likely to become slower but the key elements to the Brazilian's game hardly hamper with age.

Hernanes arrives from a Lazio side that have not had the season they have expected and are out of form. Like his former employers, Hernanes is yet to produce the quality he has done in previous years at the Stadio Olimpico and is out of form himself, but many will attribute this to his former club's form. Inter Milan have taken a gamble on a player that has not been at his best this season, but they will hope they can resurrect his season.

A video of Hernanes has gone viral of him leaving Lazio's training compound for the final time in tears, something that speaks volumes for the playmaker. A player who will give his all for a club, Hernanes could be key to a side that in recent games needs this sort of midfielder. One win in the last five for Inter Milan, Hernanes' leadership and die hard attitude could see Inter Milan's fortunes turn around quickly.

In conclusion, the deal has had many top journalists suggesting the deal was a bad move, whereas others believe that gamble will pay off for Inter Milan. Providing Inter Milan reach the Champions League this year and Hernanes plays a part in that, it could well prove many doubters wrong.